|
|
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. 5
© 2007
by Ernest Klein, CAE
Executive Director and Lobbyist
Note: Views stated may not necessarily represent those of the Indiana
State Nurses Association, Inc.
February 9, 2007
We are rapidly approaching the mid-point of session. Next week is the last
week for committees to hold hearings on bills in the original Chamber. So,
if it is not passed out of committee by the end of next week, the bill
will not move forward. However the language may still show up as an
amendment in another bill.
Good News/Bad News - SB 418
Graduate Nursing Education Scholarships
Last week we reported on SB 418.Sen. Vi Simpson, bill author, said
Wednesday morning that she had a discussion with Sen. Kenley, Chair of the
Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee. Good news is that Sen. Kenley thinks the
bill is a good idea. Bad news is that he is not going to hear the bill. He
plans to amend it into SB 0577 (SB 0577 Lottery. Authorizes the state
lottery commission, the Indiana gaming commission, and the Indiana finance
authority to enter into a management agreement for the operation of the
lottery. Establishes the Hoosier hope scholarship program. Establishes the
world class scholar program. Makes an appropriation.) This is the
Governor's proposal to "franchise" the Hoosier Lottery and use the
proceeds for higher education.
SB 0577 has not been scheduled for this coming week. So, if the bill is
heard, it looks like it will be on February 20. We’ll let you know.
The Department of Workforce Development, RN Action Team, is also looking
at the faculty issue. Representing nursing on this Action Team are yours
truly, Marion Broome, IUSON, Peggy Gerard, PU Calumet, and Laurie Peters,
IN State Board of Nursing (all ISNA members). A document with key talking
points is in the final draft stage. When it is approved by the Governor’s
office we will share that with you.
HB1473 Bio-monitoring Program
This bill was heard last week in Technology, Research and Development
Committee. Since ANA/California was on the list of supports for the
California bill, Rep. Ryan Dvorak, D-South Bend, asked for ISNA’s support.
Environmental health is a priority for ANA. So, of course we said yes.
Staff at ANA assisted in putting together the talking points you can find
here.
No committee vote was taken as they wanted to hear yea or nay from the
Commissioner of Health. A committee vote is likely this coming Tuesday
morning.
SB 327 HPV Vaccination
This bill was heard on 2nd reading in the Senate on Thursday. Sen. Drozda,
R-Westfield, offered several amendments which would really restrict the
information and availability of the vaccine. One amendment was that only
MD’s would be allowed to administer the vaccination. All of his amendments
were defeated. SB 327 passed 2nd reading and is ready for 3rd and final
reading in the Senate. Attacks on this bill have really annoyed the women
Republican senators. All six of them held a news conference last week to
support this bill. Sen. Beverly Gard, R-Greenfield was quoted as saying
that there would be no opposition if this was a bill about a vaccine to
prevent prostate cancer.
HB 1468 Immunizations by Pharmacists
This is scheduled to be heard on Monday morning. ISNA has notified the
bill author, Peggy Welch, RN, D-Bloomington, that while ISNA supports
access to care that we cannot support it as written. Our major concern is
that pediatric immunizations should be part of a “growth and
development/wellness assessment. I talked with the pharmacists association
and they would consider to limiting it to adults.
ISNA Coming to You
Last Saturday (2/2) we had over 60 students and members at the conference
in South Bend. Participants heard about ISNA and it’s role in monitoring
and forming public policy. The was also lively discussion on the content
of some of the bills and legislative process. Thank you Colleen Kelly and
IUSB for hosting it.
We will be in
Lafayette on February 17. I understand that we have almost 60 people
registered for that program (it’s still not too late to register).
The Indiana Association of Nursing Students is hosting the program in Fort
Wayne on Friday evening, February 23. Sen. Gary Dillon, R-Pierceton,
Ranking Member of the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee has
confirmed that he will participate.
The last one scheduled is for March 24 at Indiana State University, Terre
Haute.
THERE ARE STILL SEVERAL FRIDAY AND SATURDAY DATES AVAILABLE IF YOU WOULD
LIKE TO SCHEDULE A PRESENTATION IN YOUR AREA.
PUBLIC POLICY 101 – FEBRUARY 20, 2007
Our annual full day conference is rapidly filling up so don’t wait to
register! Unfortunately the ISNA Nurse PAC breakfast reception for the
legislators was cancelled due to under-subscription.
House of Representatives Committee Agendas
(February 12-15)
Public Health
February 12, 10:30 AM
House Chamber
HB 1241 Physician assistants.- Welch
*Above is an amend and vote only.
HB 1376 Services performed by dental hygienists. - Mays
HB 1663 Health and hospital corporations. - Buell
HB 1468 Immunizations by pharmacists. - Welch
Insurance
February 12, Upon Adjournment
Room 156B
HB 1542 Insurance coverage for hearing aids. Hearing : - Goodin
HB 1573 Unauthorized alien insurers in Indiana. - Fry
HB 1569 Health coverage for children. - Fry
*The above bill is a strip and insert.
HB 1627 Coverage for employees with chronic conditions. - Tyler
HB 1390 Pharmacy benefit managers. - Welch
*Above bill is amend and vote only.
Technology, Research and Development
February 13, 10:30 AM
Room 156B
HB 1473 Biomonitoring program. - Dvorak
HB 1548 Various energy incentives. - Stevenson
HB 1033 Weather radios in mobile homes. - Hoy
HB 1046 False or misleading caller identification. - Dickinson
HB 1424 Certified technology parks. - Austin
Public Health
February 14, 3:30 PM
House Chamber
HB 1008 Vehicle Bill. C. Brown
Senate Committee Agendas (February 12-15)
Health and Provider Services
February 14, 9:00 AM
Senate Chamber
SB 0550 Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. - Becker, Miller
*SB 550 - Previously Heard Bill - No Testimony
SB 0207 Medical adverse event reporting. - Dillon, Hershman
*SB 207 - Previously Heard Bill - No Testimony
SB 0152 Assignment of benefits. - Lawson
*SB 152 - Previously Heard Bill - No Testimony
SB 0114 Health provider reimbursement agreements. - Gard, Errington
*SB 114 - Previously Heard Bill - No Testimony
SB 0194 Hospital privilege requirement for physicians performing
abortions. - Miller, Steele, Mrvan
SB 0135 Abortion matters. - Miller, Steele, Mrvan
SB 0372 Health insurance preauthorization procedure. - Simpson
SB 0208 Prior authorization for nursing home admissions. - Dillon
SB 0104 Committee on child care. - Lawson
|
|
