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2008 Indiana Legislative Update - Final
Notice: This confidential material
is for the exclusive use of ISNA members and subscribers. DO NOT
electronically distribute or photocopy this information under
penalty of federal law.
© 2008 Indiana State Nurses Association |
Executive
Director's Report from the State House
Vol. 28, No. 8
© 2008
by Ernest Klein, CAE
Executive Director and Lobbyist
Note: Views stated may not necessarily represent those of the Indiana
State Nurses Association, Inc.
Wednesday was the final day
for action in the Senate on House bills and Thursday was the last day for
action on Senate bills in the House. As you will see on the bill lists,
some of the bills have made it to the Governorâs desk and have been signed
(SB219). Others are moving through the process (SB305). And finally,
others have made it through both chambers but amendments were added and we
are waiting to see if the original author will enter a concurrence or
dissent on the amendments. If a dissent is filed, the bill will head to
conference committee.
As you will see from the bill lists several bills that we had been
watching do not appear. Many bills have language from other bills inserted
in them. AND, we still have two weeks of conference committee work that
may dramatically change the bills.
HB 1172 Various Professions and Occupations
This increasingly larger bill was amended again on 2nd reading in the
Senate last Tuesday. Language added was from SB 154 Select joint
commission on Medicaid oversight, SB 152 Automated external
defibrillators in health clubs, and SB 155 Study on domestic
violence program. Previously added to this huge bill was the language
from HB 1020, Umbilical Cord Blood and SB 363 Uniform Emergency
Health Practitioners Act.
Although the language for Nurse Licensure Compact remains in the bill it
looks like the National Compact Administrators (the un-elected group of
out-of-state individuals who regulate the Compact) will not permit Indiana
to join. An amendment supported by the Attorney General to require
investigations to remain confidential until charges are filed with the
Board of Nursing (current law) seems to be the sticking point. The Compact
Administrators want investigations to be placed in the national data
system.
Of course, it is not over until the legislators adjourn sine die on March
14th. Donât forget, the House and Senate proceedings are webcast. If you
have any questions, donât hesitate to contact me.
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