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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. 10
© 2007
by Ernest Klein, CAE
Executive Director and Lobbyist
Note: Views stated may not necessarily represent those of the Indiana
State Nurses Association, Inc.
March 23, 2007
Get well wishes go to Sen. Marvin Reigsecker, R-Goshen. He is at home
following surgery this week. It is not clear if he will return to the
Senate before the end of the session.
This past week and the next couple of weeks will see a flurry of activity.
Bills have to be acted on in the opposite chamber by the second week of
April to allow time for the wheeling and dealing of conference committees.
Some of the bills have made it through the process such as SB0010 and
SB0150. Other bills have yet to have committee hearings scheduled.
HB1116
This bill was amended in House Committee to provide for a training program
to assist diabetic students at school with their care. The School Nurses
Association and Indiana State Teachers Association have been working on an
amendment to refine the original language to make it clear that the plan
of care was developed by and with the school nurse. This bill was heard in
Senate Health last Wednesday; but as the amendment(s) were not complete,
no vote was taken and it is on the agenda for next Wednesday (March 28).
There was quite a bit of discussion about the real issue – not enough
school nurses. There may even be a study committee this summer. Although
the care of the diabetic students was in study committee last summer, they
briefly acknowledged that there were not enough school nurses, that there
was nothing they could do about it, and moved on. There seemed to be a lot
of interest from the Senate Committee members on the breadth and scope of
kids with chronic conditions currently in the school system. We’ll keep
you informed.
HB1241 Physician Assistants
This bill too was scheduled last week but no vote was taken as Rep. Peggy
Welch and others are working to craft an amendment agreeable to all
parties. PA prescribing authority is opposed by the Indiana State Medical
Association.
HB1468 Immunizations by Pharmacists
The third bill heard in Senate Health Committee this past week also
received strong opposition by the physicians. Their argument was that
allowing pharmacists to provide immunizations would further fragment
healthcare – that all should have a “medical home.” Our stance was that we
support access to care. We did raise concerns that pediatric immunizations
should be part of a wellness/growth and development assessment. Indiana
Pharmacist Alliance agreed, and we are working with Rep. Welch on an
amendment that will be offered in Committee next week.
SB 503 Healthier Indiana Insurance Program
The Governor’s health insurance plan that passed the Senate 46-1 is
scheduled for a hearing in the House Public Health Committee this coming
Wednesday afternoon. It should be an interesting discussion. This may be a
place where we would see the cigarette tax resurrected.
Committee Agendas
House Public Health
March 26, 10:30 AM
House Chamber
SB 0190 Food establishment sanitary requirements exception.
SB 0201 Medicaid pharmacy survey and preferred drug list report.
SB 0208 Prior authorization for nursing home admissions.
SB 0316 Definition of knowing
SB 0320 Massage therapists certification.
March 28, 3:30 PM
House Chamber
SB 0372 Health insurance preauthorization procedure.
SB 0501 State retirement medical benefits account.
SB 0503 Healthier Indiana insurance program.
Senate Health and Provider Services
March 28, 9:00 AM
Room 431
HB 1116 Required emergency procedures training for teachers. *Previously
heard Bill - Eligible for Action.
HB 1241 Physician assistants. *Previously heard Bill - Eligible for
Action.
HB 1348 Umbilical cord blood bank. *Previously heard Bill - Eligible for
Action.
HB 1468 Immunizations by pharmacists. *Previously heard Bill - Eligible
for Action.
HB 1349 Legend drug prescriptions by optometrists.
HB 1376 Services performed by dental hygienists.
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