|
|
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.
© 2007 Indiana State Nurses Association |
Executive
Director's Report from the State House
Vol. 27, No. 2
© 2007
by Ernest Klein, CAE
Executive Director and Lobbyist
Note: Views stated may not necessarily represent those of the Indiana
State Nurses Association, Inc.
January 20, 2007
It is only the end of the second week and we’ve already dealt with getting
an assurance from Sen. Patricia Miller that she is not going to hear her
bill SB324 Regulation of Advance Practice Nurses. There were a lot a folks
involved and we hadn’t even started a “full-court-press”. THANKS! Our
immediate goal is to convince Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, Chairperson
of the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee to hear SB 418, which would
provide for scholarships for graduate nursing education.
As we have in previous years, the postings will only be available for ISNA
members. Please bookmark/save as a “favorite” the following link:
www.indiananurses.org/isnamember.htm
Of course the main event this past week was the Governor’s State of the
State address. His proposal for an increase in cigarette taxes and to use
the money to provide coverage for Hoosiers that have no health insurance
got a mixed reception. There are legislators that would not support any
type of tax increase.
In an unusual move, the House Public Health Committee, chaired by Rep.
Charlie Brown, D-Gary and the House Insurance Committee, chaired by Rep.
Craig Fry, D-Mishawaka, hosted a joint committee meeting in the House
Chambers to “begin the conversation” on how to cover Indiana’s uninsured
and under-insured. Last Wednesday we heard the details of the Governor’s
plan. There are at least 4 or 5 other plans (bills) that have introduced
this session regarding providing health insurance coverage. Another joint
meeting is scheduled for Wednesday the 24th at 3 pm in the House Chambers.
The meetings are open to the public.
Agenda for Senate Health and Provider Services
January 24, 9:00 AM, Room 431
SB 0193 Comprehensive care bed moratorium extension.
SB 0198 Charges at state mental health institutions.
SB 0200 False claims act seal and intervention timing.
SB 0201 Medicaid pharmacy survey and preferred drug list
SB 0204 Mandated benefit task force.
SB 0224 Methadone diversion control and oversight program.
SB 0316 Definition of knowing
SB 0093 Health facility sprinklers for fire safety.
Previously heard bill, no testimony
SB 0004 Commission on forensic sciences.
As in previous years, you can go to the General Assembly’s web pages at:
www.in.gov/legislative/. Once there you will find most committee
schedules. It seems that the agendas for the House Ways and Means
committee has a difficult time getting posted on the web. The meetings and
the House and Senate are Webcast so you can watch the proceedings. You can
also print off full copies of the proposed bills, email legislators, etc.
etc.
So tuned. We’ll see you February 20 and/or Feb 27, 2007.
|
|
