Video & Transcript : 'nursing programs' :
Page 103 of 500
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services (Part I) May 21st, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, I know you're a licensed paramedic, but do you have a bachelor's degree in nursing?
- Nursing, paramedicine. Okay, so a four-year degree in paramedicine?
- It does not include licensed vocational nurses. It does not include...
- And in family units, and if there are impediments to that in state programs or state law.
- In order to oversee this particular program.
Bills:
HB 1106 , HB3284 , HB541 , HB713 , HB1403 , HB1586 , HB1942 , HB2070 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB3151 , HB3749 , HB3940 , HB3963 , HB4454 , HB4466 , HB4795 , HB5154 , HB5394 , SB1357 , HB 1052 , HB4099 , HB4638 , HB5147
Committee:
Senate Health & Human Services
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I've worked in nursing facilities.
- I've worked in nursing facilities.
- So if McDonald's, for example, had a management training program, Management training program, would
- How will these programs be structured? How will these programs be structured?
- What agency will oversee this program? What about rulemaking?
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. Sponsor Senator Grall explained an amendment that aligned the bill more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” allowing a 14-day extension, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several senators asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill applied post-mortem; Grall said the bill was limited to authorized access during the patient’s life. Testimony was largely opposed, with health information and provider groups warning that the bill could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with HIPAA and meaningful-use rules, burden facilities, and improperly broaden access to portals and sensitive records. Supporters argued it would improve patient access and speed. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote after debate on the bill as amended.
The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. Grall described provisions on synthetic turf, change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor scope, tall mass timber, pool and spa contractor scope, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and solar/energy storage inspections. Two amendments were adopted: one removed pool and spa contractor language and delayed the change-order provision until July 1, 2025; the other removed the tall mass timber section. Pool contractors testified against the scope expansion in the original bill, while others supported the remaining provisions. Senators raised concerns about the Florida Building Commission process and how the public-works language might affect small-business participation, but the bill as amended was ultimately reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. Grall said the bill would require parental consent for most minor health care decisions, allow parental access to records, restrict surveys/questionnaires, and limit use of biofeedback devices, while preserving certain exceptions such as emergency care and STD testing. An amendment clarified questionnaire opt-outs for K-12 students, added court-order exceptions, addressed DNA sampling for criminal investigations, refined biofeedback language, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions; it was adopted. The bill drew extensive testimony both for and against: supporters said it restored parental authority and protected children from decisions they are not equipped to make, while opponents argued it would endanger minors seeking confidential STI, mental health, or abuse-related care, especially in unsafe homes. Senators also debated whether the bill would conflict with existing laws and whether it could leave some minors untreated. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on the bill.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I am not an expert on the STARS program.
- only payees into the program.
- is an EMS program, not a hospital program.
- So if you're looking for nurses and you want to find out what an area nurse is making and you want to
- For adult daycare programs, we don't know if our customers are a participant in the adult daycare program
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
Summary:
The Committee on Health and Mental Health first met in executive session and voted House Bill 2370, House Bill 3278, and House Bill 1638 do pass. HB 2370 passed 13-9, while HB 3278 passed 15-0 and HB 1638 passed 17-0. The committee then moved into public testimony.
Senate Bill 1015, sponsored by Senator Nuremberg, was presented as a measure creating a legal process for assisted outpatient treatment for adults with serious mental illness who are at risk of deterioration, hospitalization, or harm. Supporters, including the Missouri Behavioral Health Council and the Missouri Association of Public Administrators, said it would reduce hospitalization and incarceration and improve access to care. The senator and witnesses emphasized collaboration with hospitals and the Department of Mental Health, and no opposition was offered.
The committee also heard a detailed presentation on the STARS program from SSM Health representatives, explaining it as a Missouri-based EMS and pediatric emergency planning system that uses physician-approved, electronic care plans for children with complex needs. Members asked about costs, access, and how the program differs from the bill discussed previously; witnesses said the program is free for EMS and emergency access, but hospitals that write plans pay implementation and subscription fees. House Bill 2903, by Representative Mayhew, would give county and district hospitals relief from certain public-entity requirements, including some Sunshine Law-related burdens, board qualifications, and financial reporting timelines, to help them compete with private hospitals. Supporters from Phelps Health said the bill would reduce administrative burden and protect proprietary information; there was no opposition.
Finally, House Bill 3379, by Representative Dolan, would expand and strengthen Missouri’s employee disqualification and mandated reporting rules for abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. The bill adds more mandated reporters, including bank personnel and first responders, creates penalties for knowingly failing to report, and requires quicker DSS follow-up to reporters. DHSS supported the bill, citing recent financial exploitation complaints, while the Missouri Bankers Association said it supports the goal but wants to work on the mandatory reporting language so banks are not exposed to liability for situations they cannot readily detect. No formal opposition was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - House Health & Human Services
House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- We capped this program headcount-wise.
- But it's a great program.
- You should also be aware that there is a federal program, a rural program to support rural hospitals,
- There is a state-only program you could add some funding to and see, but typically those programs are
- But typically those programs are administered in the same way, and the Medicaid program doesn't typically
Summary:
The committee heard several bills related to radiation protection in cardiac catheterization labs and later a stem cell/regenerative therapy bill. On SB 1121, which would allow hospitals with radiation protection systems to let clinicians forgo lead aprons if they work in the designated safety area and use real-time dosimetry, testimony was largely supportive or neutral after a late amendment gave radiation safety officers discretion to require protective gear if exposures approach thresholds. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1121 on a 9-1 vote. SB 1120, a more prescriptive bill requiring at least 50% of cath lab rooms in hospitals to be equipped with the radiation protection system, drew divided testimony: sponsors and several physicians argued it would reduce orthopedic injury and radiation exposure and improve recruitment and retention, while hospital and radiology groups objected to the mandate, cost, limited vendor pool, and lack of clarity in the bill’s definitions. After adopting an amendment excluding children’s hospitals, the committee deadlocked 6-6 and SB 1120 failed to pass.
The committee then considered SB 1118, which would appropriate $3 million to help rural hospitals install radiation protection systems in cath lab rooms. The sponsor said the funding would help rural facilities meet the same safety goals, and the committee passed the bill 6-5. The committee also heard SB 1214, a “guardrails” bill regulating non-FDA-approved stem cell and regenerative therapies, requiring informed consent, sourcing and reporting standards, advertising limits, and civil penalties for violations. Supporters said it would protect patients while allowing access to promising therapies; some members raised concerns about evidence and commercialization, but after adopting a technical amendment, the bill passed 9-3. The transcript ended as the committee moved on to SB 1630, which would seek federal approval for a home- and community-based service benefit for adults with serious mental illness; the sponsor described it as a capped, Medicaid-based community care option, and Access testified neutral while estimating a fiscal impact, but no final action on SB 1630 appears in the excerpt.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
Transcript Highlights:
- MGB is the largest graduate medical education program in the country.
- It doesn't direct it to those programs that you are talking about.
- It doesn't direct it to those programs that you are talking about.
- The same is true for nurses, the same is true for nursing assistants, and down the line.
- I can't speak first... ...the same is true for nursing assistants and down the line.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a broad set of health care bills focused on cost, market oversight, pharmaceutical access, transparency, hospital closures, and pharmacy access. Chairs John Lawn and Cindy Friedman opened by emphasizing recent health care reforms and the need for further action on the drug supply chain, PBMs, private equity, and affordability. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including a Betsy Lehman Center bill to make technical changes and create a permanent trust account for federal and private funding, and bills on hospital profits and fairness, hospital closures and health planning, pharmacy deserts, and health care market oversight and pharmaceutical access. No votes were taken during the hearing.
On the hospital profits bill, physicians and labor advocates strongly supported capping hospital CEO compensation at 50 times the lowest-paid worker, requiring greater financial transparency, and directing penalties from high-margin public hospitals into a Medicaid reimbursement fund. Testifiers argued that executive pay is excessive while frontline staff and safety-net services are under strain. Committee members raised concerns about unintended consequences, including whether hospitals might shift workers to contract status or lose executive talent, and whether the bill would actually direct money to the safety net. Supporters responded that the measure is one piece of a larger effort and that the bill’s Medicaid reimbursement provisions would help underserved hospitals.
Testimony on market oversight and pharmaceutical access centered on rising health care and drug costs, PBM practices, and the proposal to give the Health Policy Commission authority to set upper payment limits for certain drugs. Consumer advocates, disability advocates, an independent pharmacist, the Attorney General’s office, and others supported stronger oversight, citing premium increases, affordability problems, and the impact of high drug prices on patients and community pharmacies. Pharma and some industry witnesses opposed parts of the bill, warning that upper payment limits could disrupt access, create legal issues, and fail to address the broader supply chain. The committee also heard support for stronger hospital closure notice and public hearing requirements, and for a pharmacy deserts bill aimed at identifying and addressing closures like the one in Roxbury that affected thousands of patients.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-09 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- RAP program from $2 billion.
- $1 billion from the FORA program.
- We love these programs.
- No shade to nurses. I have a lot of friends that are nurses.
- Members, nurses are nurses, psychiatrists are psychiatrists. Vote no.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then adopted the special order report and moved into a series of budget-related bills. The chamber first took up HB 5011/SB 2506 on environmental resource management and natural resources funding, where Democrats argued the bill would reduce recurring support for the Resilient Florida program, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, invasive species removal, and other conservation efforts. Supporters said the change would shift money from recurring to nonrecurring funding so the Legislature could reassess priorities each year and rely more on private-sector stewardship. After a strike-all amendment and conference posture change, SB 2506 passed 97-12. HB 5013, reducing state-funded property reinsurance reserves, passed 108-0, and HB 5501, redirecting documentary stamp tax distributions from housing and transportation trust funds into general revenue, passed 82-26 after extended debate over its impact on affordable housing and transportation funding.
The House also passed HB 5015 on state group insurance, which requires DMS to develop a formulary management system and was described as producing significant savings; members raised concerns about prescription access and implementation, but the bill passed 109-0. HB 5201 on state financial accounting and HB 5203 on the Capitol Center both passed unanimously, as did HB 5009, which creates a Florida Accountability Office and reorganizes audit functions. The chamber then passed HB 7031, a major sales tax reduction bill lowering the state sales tax rate and several related rates; supporters framed it as permanent relief for all Floridians, while opponents said property tax relief would be more meaningful and that the sales tax cut would also benefit tourists and out-of-state visitors. HB 7031 passed 112-0.
The House then began consideration of HB 501, the proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget, totaling $112.9 billion and emphasizing reduced recurring spending and large reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined their budget silos: K-12 education at $20.6 billion with teacher raises, school hardening, literacy, transportation stipends, and security funding for Jewish day schools; health care at $47 billion with full Medicaid and KidCare funding, opioid settlement spending, mental health beds, and senior services; transportation/economic development at $18.5 billion; agriculture and natural resources at $5.8 billion with reduced Everglades spending but continued water, resiliency, and land management funding; higher education at $8.7 billion; state administration at $2.9 billion; justice at $7.3 billion; and IT at $529 million for Florida PALM, FX, and other systems. Members then began questioning the K-12 budget, focusing on FEFP funding, proration, voucher growth, stabilization dollars, mental health and school safety funding, and whether districts would be held harmless under the proposed allocations.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 31 Mar 30th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Come on and Stu core wants to attend RIC to study nursing.
- Cody Col here for nursing. Let's give Addison a big round of applause, please.
- Please recognize Representative Townley to present the nurse of the day.
- Representative Townley, you're recognized to introduce the nurse Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- from Langston University in 2022, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Bills:
HR1041 , SB137 , SB1255 , SB1226 , SB1238 , SB1258 , SB1325 , SB1460 , SB1543 , SB1730 , SB1921 , SB1733 , SB1216 , SB1256 , SB1061 , SB1534 , SB1873 , SB1653 , SB540 , SB1948
Keywords:
Oklahoma, House Resolution, HR1041, Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, Department of Energy, DOE, advanced nuclear, nuclear energy, small modular reactors, SMRs, microreactors, energy innovation, advanced energy, energy security, economic development, job creation, workforce training, research and development, nuclear supply chain, clean energy
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM-HHS, PSM DEFER Public Hearings 02-07-2025
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:08:25.400><c> and</c> fiveyear um potential pilot program and fiveyear um potential pilot program
- called the Outreach Navigation Program.
- called the Outreach Navigation Program.
- called the Outreach Navigation Program.
- </c> and local family advocacy program and local family advocacy program Representatives<00:26:25.120
Committee:
Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs
Summary:
On the deferred agenda, the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs took up SB 1364, which makes emergency appropriations for law enforcement personnel costs, and SB 1452, which relates to the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. The chair recommended both measures pass with amendments, including technical corrections and a committee-report effective date of July 1, 2077. For SB 1364, the amendments included specified general fund and transfer fund amounts for DAGS, the Judiciary, and the Department of Law. For SB 1452, the chair said the bill was being corrected to fix a drug-name error that had been replicated from a federal mistake. Both recommendations were adopted by vote, with Senator Dort excused.
The committee then discussed SB 1612, a joint measure on fitness to proceed that would require and appropriate funds for a five-year pilot program involving the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Health, with interim and final reports to the Legislature. Testimony was mixed: the Judiciary and Department of Health were supportive, while the Office of the Public Defender and the Disability Rights Center opposed it, arguing it conflicted with best practices and the Clark consent order, and that people found not fit to proceed must be sent to the state hospital. DCR said its main concern was that the bill would still require patients to be housed in its facilities, which it said are not rehabilitative and are already strained by staffing shortages and limited access. The bill’s author argued the proposal was meant to create joint custody and reduce the high cost of state-hospital placement, but the committee did not take final action in the portion provided.
In the joint hearing with Health and Human Services, the committees heard SB 1322, a broad rewrite of the state mental health code. The Attorney General supported the measure as a comprehensive cleanup and modernization effort, but many testifiers raised concerns. Queen’s Health System and Hawaii Health Systems Corporation supported the concept but warned about emergency-room impacts and asked for amendments; IHS supported the bill with a caveat about assisted community treatment procedures; and the Public Defender, Disability Rights Center, and others opposed parts of it, citing due process, privacy, HIPAA, counsel rights, liability immunity, and the reduction of an involuntary-treatment panel from three clinicians to one psychiatrist. The hearing also covered SB 951 on child protection, where the Department of Defense supported the bill and proposed technical amendments and MOUs with military components to clarify reporting and coordination procedures; DHS and the Attorney General said they were still working through possible changes. Finally, SB 228 on excited delirium was heard, with the Public Defender and Disability Rights Center supporting the bill and arguing the term has been misused and that better police de-escalation training is the real solution.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 01/28/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:03:45.400><c> that</c> care we do have common uh programs that care we do have common uh programs
- c> 2015</c><01:02:26.880><c> so</c><01:02:27.720><c> um</c> nurse nursing service agency 2015 so um nurse
- </c> program we have enhanced program program we have enhanced program Integrity<01:49:02.520><c> in<
- program enrollees.
- program enrollees.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Professional Registration and Licensing Jan 28th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Professional Registration and Licensing
Transcript Highlights:
- And also, as a physical therapist, our profession has gone through a bachelor's program, a master's program
- , and now it's a doctorate program.
- , a master's program, and now it's a doctorate program.
- My name is Kina Eman on behalf of the Missouri Nurses Association. We support this legislation.
- My name is Kina Eman on behalf of the Missouri Nurses Association. We support this legislation.
Summary:
The Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing met with a quorum present and first went into executive session, where House Bill 1980 was moved do pass. A member spoke in favor of protecting peer review discussions as candid, confidential conversations that support patient care and continuity of care, while noting that state licensing boards still have subpoena authority over peer review documents when investigating complaints. The bill passed the committee 21-0.
The committee then heard House Bill 1797, sponsored by Representative McGill, which would create an additional pathway to CPA licensure by allowing candidates with a four-year accounting degree and required coursework to qualify with two years of experience, while retaining the existing 150-hour route with one year of experience. The bill also addressed CPA firm naming/structure issues for CPAs who do not perform attestation work. McGill and supporting witnesses from the Missouri Society of CPAs and the State Auditor’s office said the measure would strengthen the CPA pipeline, align Missouri with national model language, preserve public protection through the CPA exam and board oversight, and help address staffing shortages. Questions focused on whether the bill lowered educational standards, how supervision works, reciprocity and fees, and whether the board retained authority; the sponsor said the profession supported the change and that board fees and oversight would remain.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2974 from Representative Stinnett, which clarifies that professionals licensed through Missouri’s universal licensure reciprocity process may practice telehealth in the state. The sponsor and the Division of Professional Registration said the bill is intended to make existing authority explicit and support rural health access, especially in light of Missouri’s rural health transformation funding. Witnesses from health systems, physician assistants, nurses, behavioral health, and workforce organizations supported the bill as a clarification that would improve access and mobility for licensed professionals. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- program.
- program.
- This is not a new program.
- We do fund domestic violence programs here. We do fund CAC programs.
- We do fund domestic violence programs here. We do fund CAC programs.
Committee:
House Appropriations
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on several budget requests tied to health and human services. Louisiana Children’s Advocacy Centers asked for continued support and a supplemental appropriation of $1.173 million for infrastructure and standardization, explaining that the money would expand use of the Guardify digital evidence system, improve chain of custody, and reduce reliance on DVDs. Baton Rouge and statewide CAC leaders said prior funding helped eliminate a therapy wait list and speed services for abused children. Members asked detailed questions about the digital system, MDT coordination, and how the request related to SB 237, which would strengthen multidisciplinary review of child abuse cases.
The Alzheimer’s Association sought $824,000 to sustain the dementia care specialist program, saying it helps families navigate services, keep loved ones at home longer, and reduce Medicaid costs. AARP and the Live at Home Coalition also testified for 750 additional Community Choice waiver slots at a state cost of $3.3 million, arguing that home- and community-based care is cheaper than nursing homes and that the current wait list is more than 11,000 people. Legislators discussed the size of the need, the state’s long-term care spending mix, and whether more support should go to family caregivers and community-based options.
Testimony also focused on disability support services, substance use treatment, and developmental disability provider rates. A parent and direct support worker described the Children’s Choice waiver’s 20-hour cap and low pay, saying it makes it hard to retain caregivers and meet the needs of medically fragile children. Odyssey House and O’Brien House asked for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates under ASAM 4, warned that removal of room-and-board payments and weak Medicaid eligibility pathways are reducing access, and called for more oversight of sober living homes; members questioned outcomes data, length of stay, and links to homelessness. Finally, the Arc of Louisiana said the LDH rate study confirmed underfunding and supported a $53.6 million increase in state general funds, with local ARC leaders describing the services they provide and the need for higher direct support professional wages.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- May maybe if you nurses with her, too.
- And is you of implementing this program?
- </c><00:05:16.720><c> is</c> detailed, you know, what the program is detailed, you know, what the program
- We're program to be offered to students?
- </c><00:17:06.319><c> I'm</c> programs. So, thank you. I'm programs. So, thank you.
Committee:
House Higher Education
Summary:
The Committee on Higher Education held a resolutions hearing on March 19 and heard testimony on a series of University of Hawaii-related measures. Topics included exploring an Alzheimer’s disease research center and federal funding requirements, establishing a BSN program at UH Maui, expanding student mental health services, supporting Hawaiian language resources at the Kawaihuani Center, creating a homeless student stability and housing resource program, forming a veterinary medicine expansion working group, and compiling a list of bachelor’s programs aligned with regional job needs. Testimony was generally supportive, with UH representatives often noting that several initiatives were already underway or that systemwide assessments and planning processes were in progress. For the veterinary medicine measure, UH said Windward Community College would not be the ideal location for a doctoral program, but the system would be willing to study the issue systemwide. For the Maui nursing program, UH said it had already received authorization to plan and was working through the curriculum approval process, with a goal of offering the program in fall 2026. For the student basic needs resolution, UH said a systemwide assessment covered all campuses and islands, with a report expected in summer or fall.
In decision making, the committee recommended passage of HCR 31/HR 30, HCR 73/HR 66, HCR 96/HR 92, and HCR 97/HR 93 as is, and all were adopted without objection. HCR 124/HR 120 and HCR 125/HR 121 were passed with amendments, including a technical amendment and a request to send a certified copy to the Kawaihuani Center director. HCR 195/HR 188 was passed with amendments to add a UH Hilo representative to the veterinary working group, and HCR 196/HR 189 was passed with amendments to include UH and HMC in the list of schools developing job-aligned bachelor’s program lists and to incorporate HMSO style changes. The committee then adjourned.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- This program allows family...
- program.
- This is not a new program.
- We do fund domestic violence programs here. We do fund CAC programs.
- We do fund domestic violence programs here. We do fund CAC programs.
Committee:
House Appropriations
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Jul 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m with the American Nurses Association, California, in support. Ms.
- I'm a neonatal ICU nurse, and I support this bill. Thank you.
- I'm a neonatal ICU nurse, and I support this bill.
- I’m a retired nurse practitioner.
- It's called the DAW-9 program.
Summary:
The committee heard several health-related measures. SB 27 by Senator Umberg would revise and expand California’s CARE Court by limiting the expansion to people with bipolar I disorder with psychotic features, clarifying the definition of “clinically stabilized,” and narrowing the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Supporters, including behavioral health officials and family members, said the bill would reduce dismissals and better serve people with severe illness; opponents warned the expansion would strain county staffing and housing resources and could undermine voluntary engagement. The bill passed on a do pass motion to the Committee on Public Safety.
SB 503 by Senator Weber Pierson would require AI tools used in health care facilities to be identified, monitored, and mitigated for bias when used in clinical decision-making or resource allocation. The author and supporters from Kaiser Permanente and the California Medical Association said the bill would help prevent discriminatory outcomes and improve trust and safety. The committee discussed the need to clarify developer and deployer responsibilities, and the bill passed as amended to Privacy and Consumer Protection.
SB 68 by Senator Menjivar would require restaurants to provide written allergen information for the top nine food allergens, with tiered flexibility for smaller establishments. The bill was supported by patients, families, nurses, and allergy organizations, who described severe reactions and the difficulty of relying on verbal disclosures alone. The California Restaurant Association opposed unless amended, seeking broader use of the national model food code and additional liability language. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 403 by Senator Blakespear, which would remove the sunset from the End of Life Option Act; supporters described the law as a compassionate, well-functioning option for terminally ill patients, while faith-based groups opposed it. The bill passed to Judiciary. Later, SB 41 by Senator Wiener was introduced to rein in pharmacy benefit manager practices that steer patients to mail-order pharmacies and reimburse community pharmacies below cost; community pharmacists and several health organizations testified in support, describing pharmacy closures and patient access problems.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm with the American Nurses Association, California, in support. Ms.
- I'm a neonatal ICU nurse, and I support this bill. Thank you.
- I'm a neonatal ICU nurse, and I support this bill.
- I'm a retired nurse practitioner.
- It's called the DAW-9 program.
Committee:
House Health
Summary:
The committee heard several health-related bills. SB 27 by Senator Umberg would expand and clarify the CARE Court process, with amendments narrowing the new diagnosis category to bipolar I disorder with psychotic features, clarifying the “clinically stabilized” standard, and limiting the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Supporters, including a psychiatrist, a family member, and several local and business groups, said the bill would help more people access needed services; opponents, including counties, disability rights, peer-run organizations, and consumer advocates, warned it would expand the program faster than counties can provide housing, staffing, and court-related services. The committee discussed capacity concerns at length, then passed SB 27 on a do pass motion to the Committee on Public Safety.
SB 503 by Senator Weber Pearson would require AI used in health care facilities to be identified, monitored, and mitigated for bias when used in clinical decision-making or resource allocation. The author and supporters from Kaiser Permanente, the California Medical Association, hospitals, and psychiatrists said the bill would help prevent discriminatory outcomes and improve trust in AI tools. Committee members noted the need to clarify deployer and developer responsibilities and accepted amendments before voting. The bill passed as amended to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.
SB 68 by Senator Menjivar would require allergen disclosure on restaurant menus, with different requirements for larger chains and more flexible options for smaller restaurants. The bill was presented with emotional testimony from the author and a nine-year-old witness with severe food allergies, along with broad support from medical, nursing, parent, and allergy advocacy groups. The California Restaurant Association opposed the bill unless amended, seeking broader menu-format flexibility and additional liability language. After discussion of those concerns, the committee passed SB 68 as amended to Appropriations.
SB 403 by Senator Blakespear would remove the sunset date from California’s End of Life Option Act, making the law permanent. Supporters, including a physician, a social worker, hospice professionals, and family members of terminally ill patients, described the law as a compassionate, carefully regulated option that has worked as intended. Faith-based and Catholic health organizations opposed the measure. The committee approved SB 403 and sent it to Judiciary. The hearing also included consent items, which were approved, and a vote change on SB 68 from no to aye by Senator Sanchez.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Health Policy Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- A registered nurse will not be able to delegate to a regular home health aide or certified nursing assistant
- To a regular home health aide or certified nursing assistant.
- Basically, it's limited in scope to the nurse delegation statute.
- It's limited in scope to the nurse delegation statute.
- And financing of our own Medicaid program.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 1414 by Sen. Polsky on congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) education. The bill would require the Department of Health, working with medical experts, to create and distribute CMV educational materials to expectant and new parents or caregivers through hospitals, birth centers, and OB/GYN practices. An amendment removed a section that would have required instruction for medical professionals, and the amended bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute.
The committee then took up a block of confirmations. Appointees on tabs 2 through 7 were recommended favorably in one vote, and Chavon Harris was separately confirmed as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration after extensive questioning. Senators praised her leadership and experience, while others raised concerns about Medicaid redeterminations, the state’s CORE modernization project, Hope Florida, and a DCF anti-marijuana ad campaign; Harris said she would follow up on some issues and defended the agency’s work on transparency, managed care oversight, and access to care. Her confirmation was recommended favorably, with Sen. Berman noting opposition.
Several health-related bills were then heard and advanced. SB 186 by Sen. Garcia expanded epilepsy training requirements for school personnel, including charter school bus drivers, and was reported favorably. SB 902 by Sen. Garcia, after amendments narrowing dental workforce provisions and allowing certain seizure rescue medication delegation to family home health aides, was reported favorably; testimony focused on medical marijuana regulation, practitioner accountability, and concerns about park and child-care proximity restrictions. SB 196 by Sen. Sharif created a uterine fibroid research database with privacy protections and was reported favorably after emotional testimony from a patient and supporters. SB 688 by Sen. Rodriguez would reestablish licensure of naturopathic doctors; it drew both support and skepticism about diagnosis and treatment boundaries, but was reported favorably. SB 1574, Maddie’s Law, would add biliary atresia screening to newborn screening and was strongly supported by parents describing a delayed diagnosis; it was reported favorably. SB 878 on clinical laboratory personnel, SB 1092 on podiatric medicine and certain cellular/tissue-based products, and SB 1032 on medical marijuana registry timelines and veteran fee waivers were also reported favorably, while SB 1032 drew debate over longer renewal/supply periods. The committee then began SB 1760 on Medicaid oversight and program transparency, with the sponsor describing the bill’s creation of a joint legislative oversight committee and a legislative actuary.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Transcript Highlights:
- It is currently housed with the Board of Nursing administering it.
- </c> housed with the u the board of nursing housed with the u the board of nursing uh<00:03:25.040><c
- The board of nursing understatement.
- >> There is an apprenticeship program now.
- And the same thing with the apprenticeship program.
Bills:
HB150
Committee:
House Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Keywords:
improvement district, special assessment, assessment lien, public infrastructure, bond financing, bond interest rate, county commission, tax assessor, tax collector, judge of probate, ad valorem tax, tax lien, tax sale, foreclosure, delinquent taxes, municipal finance, public improvements, infrastructure financing, collection enforcement, property lien
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Health and Mental Health Apr 16th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health and Mental Health
Transcript Highlights:
- So thank you for letting me talk about the STARS program.
- , and those are the only payees into the program.
- is an EMS program, not a hospital program.
- So if you're looking for nurses and you want to find out what an area nurse is making and you want to
- For adult daycare programs, we don't know if our customers are a participant in the adult daycare program
Committee:
House Health and Mental Health
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- We considered a perinatal bereavement program.
- We considered a perinatal bereavement program.
- Chairman, committee members, HB 1095 provides for alternative power sources at nursing homes.
- This bill is a carbon copy of previous legislation related to backup power for nursing homes.
- So is there any aspect of this... ...parts of nursing.
Committees:
Senate Health & Welfare , Senate Health and Welfare
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 13 with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes. The committee first heard HB 971, which would equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates between independent clinics and hospital-owned rural health clinics; supporters said independent clinics are disadvantaged by a large payment disparity, and the bill was reported favorable without objection. The committee also recognized visiting Alpha Phi Alpha members and other guests during personal privilege remarks.
Members then considered HB 414, which would bar hiring certain health care workers and direct support professionals with serious disqualifying convictions from other states and address background-check issues for therapeutic group homes. After adopting three amendment sets, the bill was reported as amended. HB 740, creating an independent review process for Medicaid behavioral health claim disputes in the coordinated system of care, was amended to clarify applicability and CSOC definitions and then reported as amended. HB 288, which would place the term “miscarriage” alongside “spontaneous abortion” in medical documentation, drew emotional testimony from affected parents and advocates; the committee reported it favorable.
The committee also advanced several more bills: HB 405, updating the name of the national acupuncture certifying body, was reported favorable; HB 786, prohibiting extrapolation in certain managed-care claims recoupments, was reported favorable; HB 1095, allowing alternative backup power sources for nursing homes, was reported favorable; HB 403, raising the cottage food gross-sales cap, was amended from $50,000 to $150,000 and then reported favorable; HB 930, modernizing cosmetic-product regulation and creating a small-producer exemption, was reported favorable; HB 557, defining long-term pharmacies for policy purposes, was reported favorable; HB 779, on expedited partner therapy for sexually transmitted diseases, was reported favorable; HB 915, setting utilization-management timelines and standards, was reported favorable; HB 546, expanding criteria for peace officers to take someone into protective custody during a mental health crisis, was reported favorable; HB 796, creating a chiropractic preceptorship program, was reported favorable; and HB 933, authorizing commemorative birth certificates, was reported favorable.
The final major item was HB 1041, a “no-mandate” bill barring discrimination based on medical intervention status. The sponsor and Surgeon General said it was aimed at healthy, asymptomatic individuals and not at public health quarantine powers, but Senator Boudreaux objected to exemptions for schools and hospitals and offered an amendment to restore broader coverage. That amendment failed on a roll-call vote, and the bill remained under discussion as the transcript ended, with no final committee disposition shown in the excerpt.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 11th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- food grant program.
- There's also a new bill or a new program called a rural catalyst grant program.
- There's also a new bill or a new program called the Rural Catalyst grant program, and then there's a
- The first report is done by the PERS program, and then we got this other report for the PERS program
- The change will include nurses who are enrolled in a Master of Science degree in nursing, not just those
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call showing 46 members present. It then took up multiple House messages and amendments, appointing conference committees on several measures, including SB 2007, SCR 4007, SB 2374, SB 233, and House bills 1029, 1218, and 1022. The chamber also considered a series of House bills on the sixth and 14th orders, often adopting committee amendments before final passage or, in some cases, rejecting the bill outright.
Among the major policy items, the Senate passed HB 1524 on regional planning council grants, HB 1143 increasing a food bank appropriation to $10 million, HB 1126 modernizing cosmetology licensing and inspections, HB 1542 making student applications for admission exempt records, HB 1613 regulating law enforcement use of robots, HB 1582 directing a study on false reports and accusations, HB 1214 revising school transportation funding, HB 1448 creating a study on advanced technologies, HB 1280 on drainage project voting rules, HB 1499 protecting records related to federal judges, and several Senate bills returned from the House, including SB 2221, SB 2117, SB 2198, SB 2120, and SB 2214. The Senate also adopted amendments to HB 1541 on septic systems before rejecting it on final passage.
Several high-profile bills failed after debate. HB 1566, dealing with kratom regulation, saw an amendment to convert it to a study fail on a 21-25 vote, after which the chamber laid the bill over for one legislative day rather than take final action. HB 1283, which would have eliminated cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams in the state employee plan, was defeated 22-24 after extensive debate over cost, precedent, and insurance impacts. HB 1527, requiring Holocaust education in statute, also failed 22-24, with supporters emphasizing the importance of the subject and opponents arguing curriculum belongs in standards rather than statute. The Senate adjourned after announcements, scheduling its next meeting for Monday, April 14, 2025.