Video & Transcript : 'Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board' :
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Health and Public Affairs Jan 30th, 2026 at 03:13 pm
Senate Health & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, Senator, those are standardized plans, but in, let's say, standardized Plan G can be offered
- Hospitals are required to reinvest this funding in health care workforce and quality.
- We do have some nurse midwives.
- That's standard. Thank you. Thank you. Do you know other questions?
- We have 51% governing boards composed of patients of the clinic services.
Committee:
Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a National Board Certified Teacher in elementary education.
- As a teacher, we had to give the home language assessment and send it home.
- Home to see how they're actually communicating, and so that could follow the student.
- Key to this is not only having a skilled workforce but an educated workforce, and that's the most important
- This bill does not set new standards or create new mandates.
Bills:
HB 1022 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HJR5 , HB6 , HB 120 , HB210 , HB1458 , HB 1188 , HB3126 , HB6 , HB120 , HB210
Committees:
Senate Education , Senate Education K-16
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/28/2026 - Joint Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- As a nurse, I must tell you we have a duty to care.
- Nurses are seen as an expense, and if a budget needs to be cut, that means I'm expected as a nurse working
- Standard deduction—do you know that over 105 million filers right now are filing standard deduction?
- I take home $16,000 a year from this job.
- I take home $16,000 a year from this job.
Summary:
The joint appropriations committee met on April 28 to review the FY 2027 budget package, including the general appropriations feed bills (HB 4138 and SB 1831) and related budget reconciliation measures. Staff described the budget as including about $17.96 billion in general fund appropriations, a one-time transfer of state monies to increase revenues, a 5% lump-sum reduction to most agencies’ discretionary general fund budgets, and several one-time restorations or continuations for items such as school facilities, child care, child safety, corrections stipends, and public safety operating costs. Members spent much of the meeting debating how the across-the-board cuts would be implemented, which programs might be affected, and how fund sweeps from prior-year appropriations and special funds would work, including questions about universities, public safety, rural hospitals, transportation grants, the Corporation Commission, and health insurance costs for state employees and troopers.
A major point of discussion was the impact on universities and higher education. Arizona Board of Regents representatives said the proposed reductions and fund sweeps would affect already obligated dollars, research, staffing, and student aid programs, and could force difficult decisions about programs such as the Promise Program, Teachers Academy, and other pass-through funds. Committee members also raised concerns about whether the cuts could lead to tuition increases or reductions in services, while majority members emphasized that agencies and the executive branch should decide how to absorb the reductions. Another major topic was health care and the state employee health plan: staff explained that the budget includes a $228 million general fund infusion to stabilize the plan, while a separate reconciliation bill would raise employee premiums over three years. Members also discussed whether the budget’s changes to AHCCCS/Access and hospital eligibility rules could increase costs for hospitals and reduce coverage.
Public testimony largely opposed the budget. Speakers from Opportunity Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, and local governments argued that the proposal would shift costs onto working families, reduce support for education, housing, SNAP, health care, and rural infrastructure, and protect tax benefits for data centers and higher-income taxpayers. A mayor from Globe asked for state help after severe flooding damaged roads, water lines, and homes, while a motorcycle safety advocate asked the committee to review a DPS motorcycle safety fund appropriation. Committee members and staff repeatedly clarified that some items discussed were one-time appropriations not continued into FY 2027, that some fund sweeps were from unspent or unencumbered balances, and that the committee planned to take a mass roll-call vote on the budget bills at the end of the meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Child Care Costs Aug 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We find caterpillars and we raise them in our home.
- And I've probably visited eight now home-based in my district.
- And that's because our workforce is... So that the state can meet its workforce and economic needs.
- In closing, child care is the workforce behind the workforce, and when it breaks down, families face
- And so I did serve on an early ed board for about six years.
Summary:
The hearing focused on California child care costs, access, and provider pay, opening with remarks from committee co-chairs and members describing child care as essential infrastructure for working families and the state economy. Early testimony from a parent and a rural family child care provider illustrated the personal and financial strain of limited care options, long waitlists, and low reimbursement rates. The provider detailed monthly expenses and income, explaining that even with a full roster of subsidized children, her margins are extremely thin and she relies on weekend work and training jobs to cover gaps.
State and policy witnesses described recent progress, including a major increase in child care funding, growth in the number of subsidized slots, reforms to family fees, and a new tentative three-year agreement with Child Care Providers United that includes cost-of-living adjustments, stabilization payments, and continued work on an alternative rate methodology. The Department of Social Services also discussed efforts to unify reimbursement structures and improve CalWORKs child care coordination, while noting that federal cuts to safety-net programs could indirectly worsen child care stability and state budget pressures. Legislative members asked about the slow pace of slot expansion, the middle-income “cliff,” regional variation in costs, and how the alternative methodology will be implemented and include providers.
Researchers from the California Budget and Policy Center and PPIC emphasized that child care remains unaffordable for many families, that only a fraction of eligible children receive subsidies, and that low wages continue to drive workforce shortages. PPIC highlighted the labor-force impact, estimating that tens of thousands more mothers could work if child care access improved, while the Budget Center stressed persistent racial and gender inequities in both access and pay. An employer-focused witness from the California Chamber of Commerce described survey results showing that child care benefits can improve retention, and outlined public-private partnership models from other states and local chambers. The final panel, including Parent Voices and Black Californians United for Early Care and Education, called for fully funding the system, confronting private equity involvement, and addressing racial inequities and culturally affirming care. No formal votes were taken; the hearing ended with commitments to continue work on rate reform, slot expansion, and broader child care investment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The Board of Regents is testifying in opposition. L.
- </c> provide care it's also the nurse provide care it's also the nurse practitioners<00:15:52.120><c>
- <c> to</c> practitioners nurses um even down to practitioners nurses um even down to social<00:15:54.360
- </c> working together on this Workforce working together on this Workforce Development<00:20:55.440><
- </c><00:32:39.080><c> of</c> allocated yes so the um the board of allocated yes so the um the board of
Committee:
House Higher Education
Summary:
The House Committee on Higher Education met on March 14, 2025, and heard five University of Hawaii-related bills. SB 741 would create an external audit committee for the UH system and Board of Regents; UH and UHPA opposed it, saying existing internal and external audits already provide robust oversight, and the committee later recommended deferring the bill indefinitely as duplicative. SB 1252 SD2 would create a dementia training program for health care providers; the Alzheimer’s Association and other supporters said broader training is needed across the care workforce, while the university discussed using JABSOM as a coordinator. The committee deferred the bill to March 19 for an HD1 reflecting JABSOM’s suggestions and removing the appropriations/FTE language.
SB 1502 SD1 would fund faculty positions, student programs, and facilities at UH Manoa and West Oahu for defense-sector workforce development. UH and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the measure, describing a pipeline for students into intelligence, cybersecurity, and related fields, while one individual opposed it as too closely tied to military contracting and urged investment in other sectors instead. The committee amended the bill to remove FTE references and advanced it; the vote to pass with amendments was adopted, with several members voting aye and some excused.
SB 1530 would require performance-based allocation of UH general funds and efficiency reporting. UH and the Attorney General’s office raised concerns, saying the bill’s metrics would apply across the entire general fund budget and were not practical as drafted; the committee also noted opposition from the Budget and Finance Department and individuals. SB 1624 SD1 would restrict RIM funds to renewing, improving, or modernizing existing facilities and require annual reports. UH opposed the bill and explained that RIM is a lump-sum approach used to address deferred maintenance and capital needs, with Board of Regents approval and quarterly reporting already in place; the Attorney General suggested constitutional amendments. The transcript ends during discussion of SB 1624, with no final action shown in the excerpt.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, June 9, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And because anti-Semitism has no home, no home in the United States of America. Thank you, Mr.
- Larson: I'm pleased to support the Baby Changing on Board Act.
- Speaker, I'm a nurse.
- SPEAKER, I'M A NURSE.
- Health and Human Services has lost a quarter of its workforce.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities May 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So Amara Ramon is in the Division of Apprenticeship Standards at the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce
- Programs for Mass Higher Hamden County Workforce Board.
- My name is Melissa Chabelli, and I do work for Mass Higher Handen County Workforce Board.
- And then you have the intermediary, which is what we are at Mass Higher Workforce Board.
- And I'm talking about a workforce board that do that.
Summary:
The Workforce Support Subcommittee held a discussion focused on using registered apprenticeships to address workforce shortages, especially in disability services, human services, healthcare, and other high-need fields. Subcommittee members and presenters emphasized that apprenticeships can help employers build pipelines, improve retention, and create career ladders by combining paid on-the-job training with related technical instruction and credentialing. The group also noted that apprenticeships can be adapted for nontraditional occupations and for people with disabilities, including neurodiverse learners, with examples such as Bridgewater State’s Excel program and a developing medical interpreter apprenticeship.
Amara Ramon of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards explained the state apprenticeship process, including employer and intermediary roles, program registration, apprentice tracking, quality assurance, and available grants. Melissa Chabelli described how her workforce board serves as an intermediary, working with employers to design programs, recruit apprentices, manage compliance, and support training. She highlighted employer benefits such as tax credits, retention, and the ability to update outdated training models. Lisa Morris described UMass Chan’s effort to build a medical interpreter apprenticeship, using a pre-apprenticeship, employer interviews, and a structured sequence of classroom hours and certification exams.
Members and audience participants asked about recruitment, intermediary capacity, wage progression, and how programs can serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Presenters said apprentices can come from youth programs, career centers, incumbent workers, community colleges, ESL centers, and job fairs, and that accommodations and modified curricula can be built into programs. No votes were taken; the meeting concluded with encouragement for interested organizations to contact the Division of Apprenticeship Standards or local intermediaries and to review the shared materials and recording.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Arari is an anesthesiologist, board certified here in Arizona, and she's also homegrown.
- She did her residency at George Washington, and she's been calling the East Valley home for the past
- Well, I think I heard somebody from Pinal County even up there, so obviously that's my home county.
- Technical corrections, 2026; SB 1615, state-owned properties review board; SB 1617, campaign finance
- SB 1630, home and community-based services, mental illness.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, electronic roll call showing 27 present, and approval of the previous day’s journal. Members then introduced guests, including Dr. Kelly Arari as Doctor of the Day, visitors from Arizona Western College and its health-care programs, a Tempe Leadership participant, a Flagstaff county attorney and city council member who were there to testify on a public safety bill about detox centers, and participants in the Doty London Excellence in Public Service class.
The chamber also adopted a legislative proclamation honoring Dr. Daniel P. Korr for his decade of leadership as president of Arizona Western College, citing record enrollment, expanded transfer and dual-enrollment success, financial stability, and broader impact on rural higher education and workforce development. Senators noted ongoing efforts to address rural health-care shortages, including support for a future University of Arizona regional medical campus in Yuma.
On the floor, the President announced a temporary committee appointment and referred SB 1176 from Natural Resources to Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency. The clerk then read a long list of bills on second reading, covering topics such as taxes, water, housing, education, public safety, health care, elections, labor, and appropriations, along with two Senate concurrent resolutions. No debate or votes on those measures occurred in this transcript. Committee meeting announcements were made for the following day, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Professional Registration and Licensing Feb 18th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Professional Registration and Licensing
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the one board.
- have what we call a dual workforce.
- , optometry, our board, for example.
- But I think with the current reciprocity law, the current standards, we have good standards in the state
- “The law, the current standards, we have good standards in the state. And we should be proud of it.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Feb 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So among other things, the governor and the Florida cabinet sitting as the board of the Florida Board
- We have a shortage of nurses. We have a shortage of teachers.
- They sent academic standards, academic merit.
- Florida's workforce workforce will suffer. The students are part of the fabric of our community.
- It creates a new state board focus on immigration enforcement.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- And many of the standards in the bill are the modern-day versions of standards that we already have.
- Hanna with the California Nurses Association, in support.
- This bill is a common-sense standard.
- The workforce protections are just as important.
- The workforce protections are just as important.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/27/2026 - House Regulatory Oversight
House Regulatory Oversight Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, you cannot participate in any activities really outside of your home, even though we took all
- And if there was even a single nurse, a single administrator at the front desk, you know, who was not
- And if there was even a single nurse, a single administrator at the front desk, you know, who was not
- And are these kids then just kind of kept at home other than when they go to appointments and things
- Though maybe the funeral home lobby would disagree with me. Please vote no on House Bill 2086.
Summary:
The committee met for its first hearing of the session, took roll, introduced members and staff, and reviewed committee rules and amendment deadlines. The chair also announced that video recording would not be allowed in the room and set the order and speaking limits for the day’s bills.
The committee heard HB 2248, the Arizona Medical Freedom Act, which would bar governmental entities, businesses, schools, and ticket issuers from denying employment, entry, services, or participation based on whether a person has or has not received a medical intervention. Supporters framed it as protecting bodily autonomy, parental rights, and freedom from medical discrimination. Opponents, including physicians, child care and public health advocates, argued the bill was overly broad and could undermine vaccination policies, school and child care illness controls, and protections for immunocompromised people. The bill passed on a 3-2 vote.
The committee then heard HB 2086, which would prohibit governmental entities and businesses from requiring vaccination or masks/face coverings, with limited exceptions for workplace safety and infection control. Supporters said it would prevent government coercion and protect individual liberty and business freedom; opponents warned it would interfere with private business decisions and public health measures. After testimony and debate over the scope of the bill and the relevance of Jacobson v. Massachusetts, the committee approved HB 2086 on a 3-2 vote.
Finally, the committee considered HB 2688, which would require the Arizona Department of Administration to identify state budget positions vacant for at least 150 days and direct budget units to eliminate those positions each fiscal year, with some exceptions such as Corrections and DPS. The sponsor said the bill was intended to reduce waste and prevent vacant positions from functioning as slush funds, while critics raised concerns about hard-to-fill specialized roles. The committee passed HB 2688 on a 3-2 vote and then adjourned.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, many doctors, nursing homes, and even some hospitals are not even opposing the bill, and that
- Instead of going home to his family, he went to a nursing home where he has lived in a coma for the last
- Nursing homes are required to make...
- We made that agreement with the nursing home, what he's referring to.
- Next up is House Bill 413, which relates to the Board of Education, Board of Nursing, high school certified
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 26th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Following the board, she held various staff positions in the U.S.
- The bill modernizes the certificate certification process for certified nurse assistants and home health
- The bill modernizes the certificate certification process for certified nurse assistants and home health
- Although they're called mobile homes, mobile homes are not typically able to be moved, and many mobile
- options for these homes has historically been challenging.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved prior journals, and moved through confirmations and floor items. Doreen DiAmico was confirmed to the State Water Resources Control Board by a 34-1 vote, Dr. Anne Maria de Mars was confirmed to the State Athletic Commission by 36-0, and Ronald Fiore was confirmed to the State Athletic Commission by 36-0. The body then took up SB 73 on election security, with supporters arguing it would protect ballot chain of custody and prevent intimidation or unauthorized access to voting materials, while opponents raised concerns about transparency, federal preemption, and the bill’s impact on investigations. SB 73 passed on concurrence and urgency with 29 ayes and 8 noes on both the urgency clause and the measure.
The Senate also approved SB 929 on annual Energy Commission oversight (37-0), SB 1370 on wildfire-related testimony/oversight (28-5), SB 983 authorizing Port of San Diego job order contracting (28-8), SB 1367 restricting local approval of new or converted private detention facilities (28-8), SB 1257 requiring annual reporting on immigration enforcement incidents (28-8), and SB 1103 requiring large home improvement retailers to report immigration enforcement activity and related records (23-8). SB 1399, which removes the sunset on DOJ reviews of immigration detention facilities, passed 28-7, and SB 873, “ICE Out of Courts,” passed 28-7 to limit arrests near courthouses without a judicial warrant.
Later, the Senate passed SB 1292 creating a pilot for camera- or sensor-based curb management with human review and privacy safeguards, despite opposition over privacy and automation concerns, by 28-7. SB 878 strengthened prompt-payment insurance penalties for delayed claims after disasters and passed 29-6. SB 958, a CEQA clarification related to housing and building height impacts, passed unanimously 37-0. SB 924 modernized low-income energy assistance services and passed 35-1. SB 1057 on certification for nurse assistants and home health aides passed, as did SB 1092 giving mobile home residents a chance to bid on park sales (29-7), SB 1123 requiring agencies to consider consumer and other benefits in rulemaking (26-8), SB 1233 increasing utility rate transparency (29-8), SB 1237 strengthening pay data reporting enforcement (28-6), SB 886 shifting data center infrastructure costs away from existing ratepayers (28-6), SB 905 reforming utility incentives and performance metrics (28-8), and SB 909 strengthening public works wage enforcement (28-7). The final item shown, SB 925 on fusion energy roadmap development, passed unanimously 37-0, while SB 954 on CEQA and advanced manufacturing drew extensive debate over environmental guardrails versus economic competitiveness; the transcript cuts off during closing remarks before the vote is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> to review certain things and the board to review certain things and the board to<01:08:38.440><c
- </c> think uh that everyone should go home think uh that everyone should go home safely<01:21:44.080>
- </c> interest of getting the public on board interest of getting the public on board with<01:29:35.560
- </c><01:52:58.520><c> did</c> um MPA sheriffs Chiefs post board did um MPA sheriffs Chiefs post board
- </c> things that have put into post board things that have put into post board since<01:54:49.239><c>
Committee:
House Public Safety Finance and Policy
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- But do you have standards for your personal home for the fire marshal? I do. I do.
- Every group home should have a minimum standard.
- If they just live in there, your basic home has standards that it must meet for you to live in it.
- So if you go to, there's a contradictory statement that the Louisiana Board of Nursing states related
- I'm a board-certified nurse practitioner in Lafayette, Louisiana, on a run of medical infusion clinic
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 1076, which would repeal the sunset date for the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board. The bill was presented as a simple continuation measure, and Rep. Stagney moved to report it favorably; the motion passed without objection. The committee then took up HB 475 on artificial intelligence in health care. The author explained that the bill was intended to require disclosure when AI or recording software is used to transcribe patient encounters, and an amendment changed the proposal from patient consent/opt-out to disclosure only. The amendment was adopted, and HB 475 was reported favorably with amendments.
HB 740, dealing with Medicaid managed care, was amended with technical changes and then presented as a way to let providers in the coordinated system of care appeal claim denials through the same independent review process used by Medicaid managed care plans. The Louisiana Hospital Association supported the bill, and it was reported favorably with amendments. HB 926, which would have barred public facilities from restricting access based on vaccination status and related medical decisions, drew testimony from supporters who framed it as a medical autonomy and informed-consent measure. After questions about public versus private facilities and whether the bill could affect hospitals or disease-based restrictions, Rep. Cruz moved to voluntarily defer the bill, and it was deferred without objection.
The committee then considered HB 457 on housing standards for organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about unsafe and unsanitary group homes and would direct LDH and the Fire Marshal to establish minimum standards for safety, sanitation, privacy, and habitability. Supporters said the bill would protect vulnerable residents, while opponents, including Oxford House and the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center, warned it could conflict with federal fair housing protections and impose burdens that could reduce recovery housing and other services. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably with amendments by a recorded vote. Finally, HB 616, which would give the legislative auditor oversight of publicly funded homeless service providers, was heard with testimony from homeless service organizations that argued the bill was duplicative, costly, and could expose sensitive HMIS data; the bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Tony from California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform.
- We all watched in horror during the recent fires as nursing homes and assisted living tried to evacuate
- Tony Chickatel on behalf of California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, in support.
- We also experienced the largest evacuation of nursing homes and assisted living residents.
- Tony Chickatel on behalf of California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, in support. Mr.
Summary:
The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee met on April 22, established a quorum, and adopted its 2023-24 committee rules. The hearing then considered five bills focused on aging, long-term care, immigrant seniors, nutrition, and emergency preparedness. AB 450 would create a task force to study the needs of undocumented Californians age 55 and older; supporters from CHIRLA and other advocates described barriers to housing, health care, retirement, and digital access, while members raised questions about eligibility and process. The bill was approved on a due pass motion and re-referred to the Committee on Human Services.
AB 508 would require residential care facilities for the elderly to disclose staffing information upon request at admission and when rates increase. The author and supporters argued that staffing levels are closely tied to quality of care and that families need transparency to make informed choices; a witness described her father’s death in an understaffed facility. Assisted living industry representatives opposed the bill as burdensome but said they were continuing discussions with the author. The committee adopted amendments and passed the bill to Appropriations.
AB 1476 would allow senior congregate meal programs to continue offering to-go meals, a practice expanded during the pandemic. Supporters said the option improved access for homebound and food-insecure seniors and helped bring people into senior centers; there was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1068 would create a working group on evacuation and sheltering needs for older adults and people with disabilities in long-term care during disasters, and AB 1069 would ensure area agencies on aging and aging/disability resource programs have access to emergency shelters to provide services. Both measures drew broad support from aging, disability, and advocacy groups, with testimony citing recent fires and evacuations, and both were approved and re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management. The committee also left rolls open for additional members to add votes before adjournment.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 4 February, 2026; 9:00 AM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- I think we've got nursing board after that.
- , our nursing workforce, and especially through our Office of Nursing Workforce.
- ><c> and</c> our workforce, our nursing workforce and our workforce, our nursing workforce and especially
- </c> especially through our office of nursing especially through our office of nursing workforce.<00:
- </c><00:18:10.080><c> an</c> require the board of nursing to need an require the board of nursing to
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a reason nurses have panic buttons on their badges.
- There is a reason nurses have panic buttons on their badges.
- standards for its training programs.
- That's before they even enter the possibility of taking their board exams.
- He discharged home to us with no treatment order in place.
Bills:
SB1113 , SB1115 , SB1122 , SB1123 , SB1125 , SB1165 , SB1188 , SB1193 , SB1243 , SB1318 , SB1477
Committees:
House Health & Human Services , House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference
Keywords:
mental health, involuntary evaluation, service of process, court-ordered treatment, evaluation agencies, AHCCCS, remote work, state agency, employment, public health, healthcare, behavioral health, prior authorization, American Indian health program, medicaid, medical examiner, death investigation, body disposal, autopsy, veteran burial
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HLT/CPC Joint Public Hearing - Mon Feb 10, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- I am representing the board of the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
- I'm the board president of Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, and I'm a certified nurse midwife.
- line with the national standards of what we see for home birth outcomes, even with the exemptions.
- </c><01:55:30.000><c> birth</c> standards of what we see for home birth standards of what we see for
- I'm the board president of Midwives Alliance of Hawaiʻi, and I'm a certified nurse midwife.
Summary:
The joint House Committee on Health and Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard two midwifery bills, with testimony focused primarily on HB 1194. Committee chairs opened the hearing with rules for Zoom testimony and noted the bills relate to midwives. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs said it supported the intent of HB 1194 and offered comments. Supporters of the bill, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, argued that midwifery should remain subject to mandatory licensure to protect consumer safety, citing the state’s regulatory licensing standards and a 2025 state auditor sunset analysis. They said the bill would strengthen educational standards and public protection, and some offered clarifying amendments.
Opponents argued HB 1194 would restrict access to care and fail to protect traditional, cultural, and community-based birth practices. Testifiers from the Hawaii Home Birth Task Force, the Hawaii Home Birth Collective, the Libertarian Party of Hawaii, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Pacific Birth Collective, and Papa Ola Lōkahi said the bill would limit licensure pathways, reduce access in rural and underserved areas, and burden Native Hawaiian and traditional practitioners. Several speakers said the measure could worsen Hawaii’s maternal health shortages, especially on Maui, and urged lawmakers to defer HB 1194 or instead advance HB 1328, which they said better protects practitioner access and cultural practices.
The Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives said it opposed HB 1194 because it did not align with national or state standards for certified midwives and could create conflicts with Medicaid reimbursement and prescriptive authority. The ACLU also opposed the measure, emphasizing reproductive rights, privacy, and the need to preserve apprenticeship pathways to licensure. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript.