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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. 6
© 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 16, 2007
We are rapidly approaching the half-way point of the session. If bills are
not heard in committee this coming week, they are unlikely to move
forward. (Of course, they could be amended into proposed bills elsewhere.)
Senate Health and Provider Services has two meetings scheduled next week.
HB 1238 Midwives
This bill would have licensed Professional Certified Midwives. The
individuals would have completed an educational program and completed the
national certification requirements. They are not Registered Nurses
Certified Nurse Midwives, already licensed in this state, are registered
nurses, complete a nurse midwifery program (usually at the graduate school
level), and pass the national certification exam.
HB 1238 was scheduled to be heard on Monday, February 19, but was
later withdrawn. So it looks like it won’t be heard this session.
HB 1240 Nurse Licensure Compact.
This bill has not been scheduled for a hearing either. One component of
the bill was to increase the amount available from the Board of Nursing
fees to pay for the Indiana State Nurses Assistance Program (ISNAP). The
Professional Licensing Agency is looking for another “home” for the
provision. ISNA is neutral on this part – we currently have the contract
to administer ISNAP.
HB 1468 Immunizations by Pharmacists
Although ISNA generally supports access to care, we do have concerns about
pediatric vaccinations. Kids’ shots should be part of a larger growth and
development/wellness evaluation. The pharmacists association and the bill
author, Peggy Welch, D-Bloomington agreed and ISNA will be working with
them to draft an amendment to be offered on second reading in the House.
Expanding Health Insurance Coverage
This may be the year for Indiana! SB503, the “Governor’s plan,” passed out
of the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee on a 9-0 vote and is
awaiting action by the full Senate.
HB1008, the “Democrats’ plan” which calls for an increase in the
cigarette tax of 54.5¢, was introduced last Wednesday and passed out of
the House Public Health Committee on an 8-0 vote. It is waiting for action
by the full House.
It appears that we will have two--maybe more--plans floating around. The
final bill will most likely be the result of negotiations in conference
committee in April.
ISNA Coming to You
We will be in Lafayette on February 17. I understand that we have almost
60 people registered for that program.
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.
We are in discussion with Richmond for March 9. More details as soon as it
is finalized.
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!
Committee Agendas
House Public Health
February 19, 8:30 AM
Room 156A
HB 1238 is being withdrawn and HB 1675 is being added as an amend and vote
only.
HB 1675 CHOICE and Medicaid waivers.
HB 1344 Mobile camps for railroad employees.
HB 1547 Health care certificate of need. *HB 1547 is amend and vote only
Senate Health and Provider Services
February 19, Upon Adjournment
Room 431
SB 0194 Hospital privilege requirement for physicians performing
abortions.
SB 0135 Abortion matters.
SB 0207 Medical adverse event reporting.
SB 0152 Assignment of benefits.
SB 0372 Health insurance preauthorization procedure.
SB 0582 Preferred provider agreements
Senate Health and Provider Services
February 21, 9:00 AM
Senate Chamber
SJR 0002 Coroners.
SB 0208 Prior authorization for nursing home admissions.
SB 0335 Professions and occupations.
SB 0109 Coroners and blood or tissue samples.
SB 0090 Dental hygienists.
SB 0318 Medicaid maximum allowable cost update timing.
SB 0150 Mental health quality advisory committee.
SB 0197 Physical therapists.
SB 0320 Massage therapists certification.
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