Transcript Highlights:

• Many major hospital systems use a medical record system called Epic.
• Medications that can currently be seen by anyone who has access to medication order and dispensing histories
• of the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
• Then we went to get additional insurance, like a carve-out just for medication abortion.
• This serious issue soberly and in proper consultation with medical professionals.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Steering and Policy held a public hearing on potential updates to Massachusetts’ 2022 Shield Law to strengthen protections for reproductive and gender-affirming health care. Chair Cindy Friedman said the hearing was prompted by escalating federal and out-of-state threats, and testimony was sought on loopholes and clarifications involving emergency abortion care, limits on cooperation with outside investigations, protection of patient data, and safeguarding licenses of providers and attorneys involved in this care. The Attorney General’s Office, ACLU of Massachusetts, GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders, Reproductive Equity Now, the Massachusetts Medical Society, TransHealth, and Health Imperatives all supported strengthening the law. Witnesses urged broader bans on sharing health data with hostile states, explicit AG enforcement authority, exclusion of reproductive and gender-affirming prescriptions from the prescription monitoring program, protections for electronic medical records, and allowing clinicians to use practice names on prescription labels. Several speakers also called for protections for parents of transgender youth, attorneys, and nonprofit organizations, and some raised related concerns about insurance discrimination and the burden of post-24-week abortion restrictions. Committee members asked questions about enforcement mechanisms, data privacy, patient consent, and how to balance interoperability with privacy protections in electronic records. Witnesses said the goal was to prevent immediate harm while preserving patient control and access to care. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed by inviting written testimony and then moved to adjourn the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think at the heart of the issue is the amount of training with medical school we learn about medical
• We learn about pharmacology of different medications, not just psychiatric medications.
• issues and the prescribing of medication.
• It is not equal to medical school.
• OK, you have to complete 4 years of college and get into medical school, 4 years of medical school, which

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> multiple check-ins with the medical multiple check-ins with the medical board<00:02:27.560><c> and
• </c><00:04:26.400><c> school</c> University of Minnesota medical school University of Minnesota medical
• </c> also Al worked part-time medical also Al worked part-time medical interpreter<00:04:32.800><c> in
• </c> start their medical start their medical residency<00:06:54.360><c> this</c><00:06:54.560><c> would
• I finished my medical music school but also made it into medical school, where my grandparents met.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> models for emergency medical services. models for emergency medical services.
• medical records.
• </c><01:35:53.040><c> The</c> medical records. The medical records.
• </c> for medical record requests is $50. for medical record requests is $50.
• </c> medication to stay out of the hospital. medication to stay out of the hospital.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The New Mexico Medical Board, Greater Albuquerque Medical Association, American Medical Association,
• In contrast, the New Mexico Medical Board operates under the Medical Practice Act.
• The New Mexico Medical Board stands in opposition.
• medical oversight.
• medical oversight.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 120, which would revise New Mexico law on restraint and seclusion in public schools. The sponsor and supporters said the bill grew out of a year-long stakeholder working group and would clearly define terms such as chemical, mechanical, prone restraint, seclusion, timeout, de-escalation, and elopement; prohibit chemical, mechanical, and prone restraint; require continuous supervision during seclusion; update school safety plans and staff training; and improve reporting to parents and the state. Testimony from disability advocates, the Public Education Department, educators, and parents emphasized that students with disabilities are disproportionately affected, that clearer rules would help staff act safely, and that better reporting and de-escalation practices would reduce trauma. Committee members asked about the meaning of timeout, chemical restraint, data accuracy, and the juvenile detention facility exception, and the sponsor indicated an amendment on parent-notification timing would not be pursued to avoid delay. The committee then began House Bill 213, which would expand the Optometry Act to allow trained optometrists to perform certain laser procedures, including treatment for capsular clouding and glaucoma-related procedures. The sponsor said the bill adds training, certification, supervised live-procedure requirements, adverse-outcome reporting, and an Optometry Board member qualified to perform the procedures. Supporters argued the measure would improve access to care, especially in rural areas, and that the procedures are already performed safely in other states. Opponents, including ophthalmologists and the New Mexico Medical Board, argued the bill would move surgery outside the Medical Practice Act, lower the standard of care, and create regulatory and malpractice-accountability concerns because optometrists would not be subject to the same oversight and emergency-care authority as physicians. The committee did not reach a final vote on HB 213 before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We must act to preserve essential access to medical care and the right to make our own medical decisions
• The bill asks our state to allow medical doctors to help patients make medical decisions that are right
• The bill asks our state to allow medical doctors to help patients make medical decisions that are right
• It was an odyssey navigating our current medical system that medically gaslit me and repeatedly failed
• Specialists, expensive, invasive medical tests, medication trials with debilitating side effects with

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures and time limits, then heard testimony on House 2499, a bill to create a public awareness campaign on menopause and related midlife health issues. Supporters, including a nurse, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and other advocates, said menopause is widely misunderstood by patients and providers, leading to delayed care, unnecessary suffering, workplace impacts, and inequities in women’s health. Several speakers shared personal experiences with symptoms being dismissed or misdiagnosed and urged the committee to advance the bill. The committee then took testimony on a package of endometriosis bills, including House 2527 and Senate 1564, calling for a task force and broader awareness efforts. Patients, a physician, and advocates described long diagnostic delays, severe pain, infertility, medical gaslighting, and limited access to specialists and effective treatment. They argued for more research, provider education, and a coordinated state strategy, and several asked for favorable reports. The chair also noted the hearing was running behind and extended time to allow more testimony. Later, the committee heard Senate 1579, which would eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass requirements for abortion access for minors under 16. Planned Parenthood representatives, physicians, legal advocates, and students argued the current law creates unnecessary delays and harms vulnerable youth, especially those in unsafe homes or foster care, while supporters said minors can already consent to other reproductive health care. A pro-life witness opposed the bill and emphasized parental involvement and support services. The committee also heard House 2403 and Senate 1560, which would create a Human Service Transportation Consumer Advisory Board; disability advocates and riders described past safety problems and current service gaps, and supported the board as a low-cost way to improve accountability, rider input, and reliability. No votes or final actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:51.240><c> at</c> from purchasing medications at from purchasing medications at discounted
• </c><00:09:23.600><c> this</c> applies to outpatient medication this applies to outpatient medication
• Blocked out of receiving a medical home because of their diagnosis of addiction after initial medical
• </c><00:20:47.799><c> access</c> established the medication access established the medication access
• on medications.

Keywords: 00:00 Introductions 02:46 Roll Call 03:35 Discussion on SB 14 46:13 Vote on SB 14 48:07 Discussion on SB 17 50:38 Vote on SB 17, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services opened with the chair welcoming several new members and outlining session rules: hearings would start and end on time, the committee would limit the number of bills heard each meeting, prioritize bills heard during the interim, and generally avoid using the consent calendar except in extreme circumstances. The committee then briefly considered administrative regulations, which were treated as approved if members had no questions. The main item was Senate Bill 14, a measure addressing the 340B drug discount program. The chair said the bill had already passed the Senate in a prior session and had been heard in interim, so he did not present it again. He described the bill as prohibiting drug manufacturers from discriminating against 340B covered entities by refusing 340B pricing when the same drug is offered at that price in the state. He also said the committee would not debate the federal 340B program itself, but would hear testimony on the bill. Hospital leaders and Kentucky Hospital Association representatives testified in support, arguing that 340B savings are essential to rural hospitals, oncology services, transportation support, chronic care, addiction recovery, and new service lines such as chemotherapy and hepatitis treatment. They said the program helps keep care close to home and that manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies have reduced access and cost hospitals millions. Opponents from BIO Kentucky and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions argued the bill would expand federal law beyond Congress’s intent, create administrative burdens, and not lower patient out-of-pocket costs. The chair repeatedly pressed opponents to address why Kentucky should be denied the same 340B pricing available in other states. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I oversee medication use, compliance, and affordability across I oversee medication use, compliance,
• George Sorries with the California Medical Association with the California Medical Association with George
• So I prescribe a medication, a specific name of a medication, based on the pharmacist, the particular
• You may specifically like a certain type of medication, brand-name medication.
• So that is with any medication.

Summary: The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee heard SB 1094 by Senator Weber Pierson, which would expand pharmacist substitution authority for biosimilars and allow health plans to require use of lower-cost generic or biosimilar alternatives when available, unless the prescriber marks “do not substitute.” The author said the bill is intended to lower prescription drug costs, improve access, and require insurers to report on whether substitutions reduce out-of-pocket costs and premium growth. Committee amendments were accepted, including changes to align definitions with federal law, require a link to the FDA Purple Book, add a 30-day advance notice requirement for plan-driven substitutions, and allow exceptions for patients or providers. Supporters included Blue Shield of California, Sharp HealthCare, health plans, CVS, the California Chamber of Commerce, and other business and health care groups, who argued the bill would increase competition, reduce costs, and remove administrative barriers to using FDA-approved biosimilars. Opponents and “opposed unless amended” witnesses, including the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the California Rheumatology Alliance, and some physician groups, argued the bill goes beyond current FDA interchangeability standards, could undermine physician judgment, and may create patient safety concerns for some chronic-disease patients who react differently to biosimilars or experience problems with multiple switches. Committee members discussed the “do not substitute” option, patient notification, insurance approval, and whether the bill preserves physician discretion. After debate, Senator Arreguín moved the bill, and the committee voted 10-0 to pass SB 1094 as amended to the Senate Health Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• George Sorries with the California Medical Association.
• So I prescribe a medication, a specific name of a medication, based on the pharmacist, the particular
• Similar to the scenarios that you have with your generic medication. ...that perhaps my medication would
• You may specifically like a certain type of medication, brand-name medication.
• So that is with any medication.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 5917, improving access to abortion medications. Good morning.
• With respect to abortion medications.
• must use the medications for the purpose of providing abortion care or medical management of early pregnancy
• Mifepristone and misoprostol are safe and effective medications used for miscarriage management and medication
• I apologize. 5966, medically tailored meals.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 5917, which would change how the Department of Corrections and Department of Health distribute abortion medications from state stockpiles. Staff and the bill sponsor said the measure would remove pricing restrictions, allow the medications to be donated or sold more flexibly to health care providers, and help avoid expiration of existing supplies. Supporters, including the Washington State Women’s Commission, the governor’s health policy advisor, DOH, physicians, and Pro-Choice Washington, said the bill would improve access to medication abortion and miscarriage care, especially for people facing barriers. Opponents argued it would expand state involvement in abortion, shift costs to taxpayers, and raise safety concerns. No vote was taken on the bill in the hearing portion shown. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6080, which would require written contracts before local jails accept people in federal custody and would prohibit some out-of-state transfers absent a valid judicial warrant. Senator Cleveland said the bill was prompted by a situation in Clark County and was intended to provide clarity, reimbursement, and accountability for local governments. Supporters from the Latino Community Fund, the Association of Counties, and the City of Vancouver said it would protect taxpayers and local discretion. The sheriffs’ association supported some of the bill’s goals but raised concerns about unintended consequences for routine federal arrests and wanted more clarification. The hearing on SB 6080 was then closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6085, which would revise the Institutional Welfare Account, formerly the incarcerated individual betterment fund, to require more input from incarcerated people and their families on how the funds are spent and to change some allowable uses. The sponsor said the bill would ensure the account reflects current needs and supports family contact, reentry, and institutional safety. Testimony was mixed: the Washington State Reentry Council supported the concept but objected to requiring legislative appropriations and to using the funds for reentry services; a Department of Corrections representative supported the intent but raised concerns about removing law library funding without replacement. After testimony, the committee moved into executive session and considered several bills and amendments, including SB 5940, SB 5945, SB 5957, and SB 5966. Multiple amendments were offered and mostly failed on SB 5940 and SB 5945, while one amendment on SB 5945 passed. The committee advanced SB 5940, SB 5957, and SB 5966 with due-pass recommendations, and the transcript ends with the committee adjourning after the final action on SB 5966.

Transcript Highlights:

• medical debt uncollectible.
• Files separately, one for medical debt and one for non-medical debt, and that would be just to comply
• medications.
• I fully understand that medical...
• I fully understand that medical... I fully understand that medical...

Bills: SB5962, SB6105, SB6203, SB6296

Keywords: spring blade knives, knife legislation, weapon regulation, public safety, law enforcement, medical debt, garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings exemption, exempt wages, debt collection, consumer debt, student loan debt, private student loans, disposable earnings, minimum wage, writ of garnishment, exemption claim, judgment debtor, creditor

Summary: The committee first suspended the five-day notice requirement and then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5962, which would remove spring blade knives from the list of dangerous weapons while keeping restrictions on carrying them in schools, child care facilities, and other sensitive places. Staff explained the current law and the bill’s effect. Supporters, including Knife Rights and the prime sponsor, said the law is outdated, inconsistent, and harmful to workers and manufacturers; one testifier also argued the bill should go further and remove added carry restrictions. Testimony was overwhelmingly in favor, and the hearing closed with the chair noting the bill had 50 pro and 2 con sign-ins. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6105, which raises the wage garnishment exemption for judgments arising from medical debt from 30 to 60 times the state minimum wage, while keeping the 80% disposable earnings exemption and adding clearer notice requirements. The sponsor and supporters from patient, consumer, AARP, and anti-poverty groups argued that medical debt is often unexpected and that the higher exemption would help families avoid financial collapse and keep working. Opponents from collectors and receivables groups said the bill was not developed through a stakeholder process, could create compliance and privacy problems, might increase litigation and fees, and could worsen provider financial strain. The hearing ended with 33 pro and 107 con sign-ins. Next, the committee took testimony on Senate Bill 6203, which would clarify that out-of-state convictions can include foreign-country convictions for offender scoring if obtained with sufficient due process and fairness safeguards. The sponsor said the bill closes a gap identified by a recent Washington Supreme Court decision. Prosecutors supported the concept and suggested simplifying the language, while the Sentencing Guidelines Commission, public defenders, and defense advocates opposed it, arguing the due process standard is undefined, foreign legal systems are hard to evaluate, and the bill could create unequal and costly litigation. The hearing closed with 2,997 pro and 67 con sign-ins. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 6296, a broad involuntary treatment bill that expands who may petition for detention under the ITA, changes procedures for less restrictive alternative treatment and assisted outpatient treatment, adds firearm surrender compliance steps, and requires more law enforcement involvement in some detentions. The sponsor said the bill addresses gaps in transport, firearm surrender, AOT access, and Joel’s Law. Supporters from providers and counties backed parts of the bill, especially information sharing and removing the AOT declarant requirement, but many stakeholders including DCRs, disability rights advocates, behavioral health organizations, hospitals, and public defense raised concerns about due process, capacity, rural transport, law enforcement liability, vague standards, and unintended consequences. The hearing was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• As best they could, what her medical needs would be.
• to seek medical care in the future.
• reason for medical malpractice litigation.
• medical litigation.
• Medical boards, I assume you mean licensing boards? Yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> extreme medical value. extreme medical value.
• What medical facilities did they represent? And what medical fields did they represent?
• All hospitals, but not all medical providers. >> Not all medical providers.
• </c> &gt;&gt; but not all medical providers. &gt;&gt; but not all medical providers.
• </c> think may be embarrassing medical think may be embarrassing medical conditions?

Keywords: MS House Floor - 21 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Asthma medication. What makes ivermectin special?
• The Texas Medical Board has been... You are making my point. Doctor with the Texas Medical Board.
• determine what medication is safe and effective?
• To make this particular medication, which is a medication with a good safety track record and very low
• or getting the actual medication.

Bills: HB25, HB48, HB149, HB254, HB26, HB192, HCR3, HCR4, HCR5, HCR6, HCR8, HCR14, HCR16, HR1, HR2, HR3, HR4, HR6, HR7, HR8, HR9, HR12, HR11, HR13, HR14, HR15, HR16, HR20, HR22, HR23, HR24, HR25, HR26, HR27, HR28, HR29, HR30, HR31, HR32, HR33, HR45, HR48, HR49, HR51, HR52, HR55, HR56, HR57, HR59, HR60, HR61, HR62, HR63, HR64, HR65, HR66, HR70, HR71, HR72, HR74, HCR2, HCR7, HR10, HR21, HR35, HR36, HR37, HR38, HR39, HR40, HR42, HR43, HR44, HR46, HR47, HR50, HR53, HR54, HR67, HR69, HR75, HCR 5, HCR 6, HCR 8, HCR 14, HCR 16, HR 1, HR 3, HR 4, HR 6, HR 7, HR 8, HR 9, HR 12, HR 11, HR 13, HR 14, HR 15, HR 16, HR 20, HR 22, HR 23, HR 24, HR 25, HR 26, HR 27, HR 28, HR 29, HR 30, HR 31, HR 32, HR 33, HR 45, HR 48, HR 49, HR 51, HR 52, HR 55, HR 56, HR 57, HR 59, HR 60, HR 61, HR 62, HR 63, HR 64, HR 65, HR 66, HR 70, HR 71, HR 72, HR 74, HCR 7, HR 10, HR 21, HR 35, HR 36, HR 37, HR 38, HR 39, HR 40, HR 42, HR 43, HR 44, HR 46, HR 47, HR 50, HR 53, HR 54, HR 67, HR 69, HB 25, HB 48, HB 149, HB 254, HB 26, HB 192

Keywords: ivermectin, pharmacist authority, prescription-free, healthcare regulation, patient access, HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert

Transcript Highlights:

• They go to Santa Fe with the Doña Ana County Medical Center and the New Mexico Medical Society.
• UNMH medical as well, and I appreciate that.
• Medication to help with opioid use disorders.
• For our detention, the continuation of medication is offered.
• This medication and just try to make sure that everybody has the best information about the medication

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it's very difficult to relate a degree of medical malpractice cases with the degree of medical
• a medical malpractice suit is terrifying for individual medical providers.
• And, um, also what is the role of the medical board and what is the role of the medical review commission
• medical board.
• That's what medical expenses are for.

Bills: HB99, HB49, HB164, SB30, SB43, SB50, SB136

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 99, which would make changes to the Medical Malpractice Act, especially around punitive damages. The chair and sponsor said the bill would not be voted on that day and that public comment would wait until Monday, when a fuller presentation and any recommended substitute would be considered. Dr. Brooke Baker, a physician-lawyer, gave a long presentation on physician wellness, malpractice stress, and the effect of litigation on staffing and burnout, while also discussing hospital ownership structures, private equity, and rural hospital vulnerability. She argued that punitive damages are often pled too broadly in New Mexico, that the amendment language was unclear about which entities would be capped, and that better oversight and internal quality systems—not punitive damages—are the better tools for addressing bad actors and unsafe care. Committee members from both sides asked extensive questions about the patient compensation fund, indemnification, corporate structures, the effect of caps on insurance and recruitment, and whether the bill would protect physicians’ personal assets. No vote was taken on HB 99, and the committee recessed before moving to the next bill. The committee then returned to House Bill 49, a public safety measure increasing penalties for felons who possess firearms. The sponsors and law enforcement witnesses said the bill is aimed narrowly at serious violent felons who are already prohibited from having guns, and that it would align state sentencing with federal law and give police and prosecutors a stronger tool against repeat violent offenders. An amendment was offered to narrow the bill further, add destructive devices, and make the offense a second-degree felony rather than escalating to first degree on repeat offenses. The amendment was adopted without opposition. Public testimony on HB 49 was largely opposed. The Law Office of the Public Defender argued the bill criminalizes possession without a new act of violence, that current law already punishes felon-in-possession conduct, and that New Mexico has repeatedly increased penalties without evidence of reduced gun crime. The ACLU of New Mexico also opposed the bill, saying increased penalties are not a proven deterrent. The transcript cuts off as additional online opposition testimony was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• or initiate patient medications.
• or initiate patient medications.
• or initiate patient medications.
• or initiate patient medications.
• I would adjust the patients' medications or initiate patient medications.

Bills: HB0143, HB0129

Keywords: health care providers, free speech, discrimination, governmental agencies, civil remedies, physician access, internationally trained physicians, medical licensing, provisional license, healthcare workforce, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• caution around irreversible medical procedures for minors.
• caution around irreversible medical procedures for minors.
• The American Medical Association... Sorry for you.
• medical care.
• We brought our kids in, our parents, our medical experts.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House met with prayer and the Pledge, then approved the House Journal for February 5, 2026 by roll call vote, 134-2. A member also gave a Black History Month recognition honoring Bridget Williams, the first Black woman to lead the Heavy Constructors Association of Kansas City. The clerk then read several new bills, including HB 3230 on zoning for certain manufactured housing, HB 3231 on the Missouri Innovation, Public Safety, and Accountability Act, and HB 3232 on foreign ownership of electrical corporations. The chamber then took up multiple bills for third reading. The largest debate centered on House Committee Substitute for HB 2273 and related bills, a comprehensive measure on sex trafficking, grooming, sextortion, child sexual abuse material terminology, a statewide anti-trafficking council in the Attorney General’s office, training requirements, a statute of limitations change, patronizing prostitution penalties, and the Sextortion Act. Supporters emphasized protecting children and trafficking victims, while opponents raised constitutional and germaneness concerns and argued some provisions did not fit the bill’s title. The bill passed third reading 148-2. The House also passed HB 1757 on gifted education screening and identification by the end of third grade, 142-8; HB 2375 on workers’ compensation reform and burden-of-proof clarification, 86-62; HB 1788 on recurring political donations and campaign transparency, 134-16; and HB 1628, a cleanup bill updating higher education and workforce development statutes and repealing outdated provisions, 153-0. Members then perfected and printed a House Committee Substitute for HB 2033, 1608, 1672, and 1854, which removed the sunset from the SAFE Act. Debate on that package focused heavily on gender-affirming care for minors, with supporters arguing the bill protects children and citing medical and legal developments, while opponents said it interferes with parental rights and medical decision-making and misread the science. The House adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. The chamber also heard committee announcements and adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• In both cases, labor had to be medically induced.
• , medically accurate.
• That's not the issue, because we all believe that most medical, or all medical interventions, do their
• I mentioned that to draw a comparison as to a medical treatment, a medical intervention, is just that
• Do not discriminate based on medical intervention status. Based on medical intervention status.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the medication after the provider medical benefit, meaning they reimburse providers for the medication
• Generally, pharmacy benefits are for medications people self-administer, while medical benefits cover
• front before they can get the medication, versus them getting the medication from a pharmacy benefit
• All medical opinions in medical records are preserved, and all certified medical opinions on the death
• These are not medical orders.

Keywords: 987, senate, all