Transcript Highlights:

• LivaNova manufactures the vagus nerve stimulation therapy, or VNS therapy, for patients who are suffering
• how Mississippi's Medicaid program pays for outpatient services for the surgical procedure for VNS therapy
• 00:01:07.680> procedure<00:01:08.320> for<00:01:08.560> VNS<00:01:09.040> therapy
• the surgical procedure for VNS therapy. the surgical procedure for VNS therapy.
• for a highly life-changing therapy for a highly vulnerable<00:02:51.280> patient<00:02:51.680

Keywords: Medicaid - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate Medicaid Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2674, which would increase Mississippi Medicaid reimbursement for outpatient vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) procedures used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy. Dave Weinberger of LivaNova said current Medicaid rates are far below Medicare and most neighboring southern states, creating financial pressure on hospitals and causing some to stop offering the procedure. He argued the therapy provides durable clinical benefits and long-term savings for Medicaid, and said the bill would align Mississippi’s rates with Medicare’s 2026 outpatient rates and with other states. Weinberger said the bill would set reimbursement at $45,000 for CPT 64568 and $35,000 for CPT 61885, and framed the measure as improving access, hospital stability, and fairness for vulnerable patients. Committee members did not ask questions during this hearing, though the chair noted the bill had been double referred and would go to appropriations, with a more detailed hearing scheduled for the next day. After discussion, a motion was made that the title was sufficient and the bill do pass. The committee approved the motion, and the bill was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• therapy, and speech services.
• speech being part of it speech therapy speech being part of it physical<00:47:35.040> therapy
• > therapy<00:49:13.880> and<00:49:14.040> so diagnosing physical the therapy and
• I know I've gone to physical therapy, I certainly need a job also massage therapy—but it wasn't covered
• ><00:52:17.880> a to physical therapy I certainly need a to physical therapy I certainly need

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Committee on Education and Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard Senate Bill 422, which would authorize the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The Department of Education testified in support, noting a prior law that created the Kono diploma program before it sunset in 2020. Several members of the public also testified in support. Both committees later recommended passage of SB 422 without amendments, and the recommendation was adopted by voice votes. The committees then heard Senate Bill 530 on Braille literacy. The bill would establish Braille literacy as state policy, require Braille-related literacy assessments for eligible blind and low-vision students, authorize DOE rulemaking, create a Braille Literacy Resource Center, and appropriate funds. DOE and the Department of Human Services supported the measure, as did the National Federation of the Blind, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and a blind testifier who described the importance of early Braille instruction. The Attorney General’s office raised concerns about statutory language requiring yearly assessments and suggested revisions so annual decisions remain with IEP teams. The committees voted to pass SB 530 with amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested changes, and adopted the recommendation. The next measure was Senate Bill 532, which would allow school staff and agents trained by a licensed clinician to volunteer to administer medication to students in public schools under certain conditions and clarify who may prescribe such medication. DOE and Department of Health testimony supported the bill. The Attorney General recommended replacing the term “licensed clinician” with the defined term “health care professional.” The Hawaii Academy of Physician Assistants supported the bill but asked that physician assistants be included among providers who may prescribe medications for school administration. After questions about current school health aide duties and field-trip medication procedures, the committees voted to pass SB 532 with amendments, including the Attorney General’s terminology change, and adopted the recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• little bipartisan agreement these days, but they do agree that AI being involved in mental health therapy
• and counseling is mental health therapy and counseling is deeply<00:03:44.560> problematic.
• <00:04:01.200> Therapy<00:04:02.640> um<00:04:02.959> to health therapy settings
• Therapy um to health therapy settings.
• than therapy therapy services rather than therapy therapy services rather than potentially<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the mode, and so people are still going to access therapy somehow, but now they might just miss
• um it's the mode and so people therapy um it's the mode and so people are<00:23:54.600> still
• <00:23:56.240> um are still going to access therapy um are still going to access therapy um
• Therapeutic exercises and manual or soft tissue therapy are not.
• Therapeutic exercises and manual or soft tissue therapy are not.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of therapies. of therapies.
• therapies and conventional therapies. therapies. therapies.
• therapy, those therapy, um occupational therapy, those kinds<03:35:15.680> of<03:35:15.800>
• in for physical therapy. in for physical therapy.
• 22.560> physical<03:56:22.920> therapy physical therapy, but physical therapy physical

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 562, which would create a home damage mitigation and resilience grant program aimed at helping homeowners make property improvements that could reduce insurance costs and non-renewals. Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of the New Hampshire Insurance Department explained that the program is modeled in part on Alabama’s safer homes program, but tailored for New Hampshire hazards such as floods, microbursts, heavy snow, ice, and falling trees. He said the grants would be limited to primary residences, subject to a means test, capped at $10,000, and intended to help homeowners make targeted improvements such as roof fortification or tree removal that could improve underwriting outcomes and lead to premium discounts. Bettencourt said the program would not use state taxpayer funds and would instead rely on philanthropic donations, possible federal or regional housing-bank funding, and other outside sources. He said the department would not need new staff, and that a current position could be reconfigured to help administer the program part-time. Committee members asked about the funding language, the meaning of “loans” in the bill, whether there were any other states using a similar no-state-funds model, and how many homeowners could be helped. Bettencourt said Rhode Island and Connecticut were moving forward in a similar way, and that the number of beneficiaries would depend on how much money is raised. Members also questioned how the grant program would actually lower premiums, whether savings would apply only to participants or more broadly, and how the IBHS evaluation process would work. Bettencourt and department staff said the direct benefit would be to the homeowner whose property is improved, though neighbors could also benefit in some cases. They explained that IBHS is a building-safety organization that certifies contractors and inspectors and that its standards can qualify homes for insurer discounts. Questions were also raised about confidentiality provisions, first-come-first-served grant awards, rollover of unused applications, and possible tax treatment of donations. The sponsor said those details would be addressed through rulemaking or existing tax rules, and no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It includes things like physical... therapy, which starts this fall.
• If we start physical therapy, we'll pay for that out of the institution.
• The focus is on natural killer cells and CAR-NK therapy. therapy, which is dramatically less toxic than
• available treatments, including in CAR T therapies.
• Outpatient rather than inpatient. therapy.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In this Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Access to Breakthrough Mental Health Therapies, and I feel like Senator
• All of this calls for a careful consideration and examination of how these breakthrough therapies can
• In some cases, these therapies are far more effective than anything I can... I don't know.
• . ...the research and creating legal access to these various breakthrough therapies.
• So we're at an exciting inflection point here, with all these breakthrough therapy treatments.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Access to Breakthrough Mental Health Therapies met to discuss psychedelic-assisted treatments for serious mental health conditions, with a focus on psilocybin, ibogaine, MDMA, and related compounds. The chair framed the issue as a clinical and access problem for veterans, first responders, and others with PTSD, depression, TBI, addiction, and suicidal ideation, emphasizing that these therapies are intended for supervised medical settings rather than take-home use. Members reviewed research claims and policy trends, including FDA breakthrough therapy designations, state-level psychedelic legislation, and the role of Arizona’s right-to-try law in expanding access once federal approval is in place. Testimony came from Alan Mullen, a retired Army Special Forces veteran, who described his PTSD/TBI history and said ibogaine treatment helped him confront trauma and showed promise in reducing symptoms under strict medical monitoring. Dr. Sue Cisley of Scottsdale Research Institute described ongoing FDA-controlled trials in Arizona, said current medications often fail high-need patients, and urged removal of research barriers and preparation for right-to-try and expanded access. Dan Freiberg of the Professional Firefighters of Arizona said firefighters face chronic exposure to trauma, often rely on alcohol or other coping mechanisms, and need effective alternatives beyond traditional therapy. Dr. Chung Trin discussed late-stage psychedelic trials, the FDA breakthrough pathway, safety oversight, and the need for state readiness when approvals occur. Committee members asked about how the treatments work, whether they require psychotherapy support, safety concerns including suicidality and black-market abuse, patenting and synthetic versus natural versions, and costs compared with ketamine and other treatments. Witnesses said the therapies are administered with extensive screening, monitoring, and integration support, and argued that addiction potential appears low under medical supervision. The discussion ended with interest in sending correspondence to federal officials to support right-to-try cooperation and in continuing the research and policy work; no formal vote or action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• therapies and conventional therapies. therapies. therapies.
• Um, I would liken it to physical therapy in your home or physical therapy, occupational therapy, those
• Um, I would liken it to physical therapy in your home or physical therapy, occupational therapy, those
• Um, I would liken it to physical therapy in your home or physical therapy, occupational therapy, those
• in for physical therapy. in for physical therapy.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Elizabeth Morgan, executive director for the Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy. >>
• Therapy, the body responsible<00:18:14.400> for<00:18:14.560> licensing<00:18:15.160><
• and radiation therapy procedures across the<00:18:21.000> Commonwealth.
• Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy and<00:21:01.800>
• I currently serve as a manager for respiratory therapy, non-invasive cardiology, telemetry services,

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the October 23 meeting minutes and then heard testimony on a planned 2026 bill to modernize Kentucky’s audiology practice act. Witnesses from the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and a Kentucky audiologist said the proposal would largely codify existing authority and add new powers to order certain imaging and lab tests related to auditory and vestibular conditions, as well as prescribe topical ear medications. They argued the changes would reduce delays, especially in rural areas, improve access to hearing and balance care, and help address provider shortages. Committee members asked about evidence for the expansion, responsibility for reviewing imaging results and incidental findings, and whether the changes might affect referrals or scope of practice. The witnesses said they could provide evidence, that the audiologist would be responsible for obtaining and reviewing radiology reports and following up with patients and primary care providers, and that the goal was to speed treatment and streamline referrals when needed. The committee then heard a separate proposal to update the Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy statutes by licensing MRI technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers, who are not currently required to be licensed in Kentucky. The bill would create a transition period through January 1, 2028 for current practitioners, require national credentialing for new applicants after that date, expand the board from 9 to 11 members, and clarify scope and enforcement provisions. Supporters said the measure would improve patient safety, align Kentucky with most other states, and recognize national credentials. Members questioned how many workers would be affected, whether the state currently meets national standards, the cost of licensure, and whether the bill could worsen staffing shortages, especially in rural areas. The witnesses said about 800 MRI technologists and 1,600 sonographers in Kentucky are currently certified, initial licensure would cost $100, and existing licensees would not pay an additional fee. They also said the board viewed the change as a safety measure and noted increasing portability of MRI services across state lines. Finally, the committee began hearing a respiratory care interstate compact proposal. The sponsor and respiratory care representatives described the compact as a way to allow licensed respiratory therapists from member states to practice across state lines. They outlined the profession’s role in hospitals, emergency departments, home care, pulmonary labs, long-term care, and telehealth, and said the compact would help with workforce flexibility and access to care. The transcript cuts off before the discussion concluded or any action was taken on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, cooperating and trying to help her with, with therapy.
• In fact, we begged to have family therapy with my daughter.
• Conversion therapy.
• He had an endless rotation of therapy. And he finally did attempt suicide, um.
• Like there is generally therapy involved.

Bills: HB 2646, HB 3941, HB 5153, HB 5155, HB 5394, HB 1106, HB 426, HB 4529, HB 3984, HB 4273, HB 1097, HB 3940, HB 1941, HB 4377, HB 3153

Keywords: child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• So we talked a little bit about therapy as well, and you and I had a discussion about the therapies that
• They go through voice therapy as well.
• They go through voice therapy as well.
• No, but you keep on—we do bring up therapy a lot, and you all bring up a lot of therapies, and they,
• We're not in those therapy appointments.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm bringing up ABA therapy in particular not because... Thanks, Chair.
• And I'm bringing up ABA therapy in particular not because I know it works.
• And my question is, I'm not debating whether ABA therapy is effective or not.
• Is that the same with ABA therapy or even with mental health counseling?
• And we have an idea about how much therapy makes sense right now.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing focused first on Oregon Medicaid coordinated care organization (CCO) finances and rate setting. Oregon Health Authority staff explained how 2025 CCO financial results will inform 2027 capitation rates, including reserve requirements, subcapitation arrangements, and major cost drivers such as behavioral health, pharmacy, rural hospital costs, and dental directed payments. They said the Legislature’s added 2025 funding materially improved CCO margins and that, without it, the program would have been negative overall. Members asked about retained earnings, subcapitation, behavioral health utilization, ABA therapy, and whether outcomes are being evaluated; OHA said rate setting is actuarial and that CCOs, OHA, and other partners all play roles in monitoring efficacy and access. OHA also reviewed House Bill 4039 changes intended to increase transparency and give CCOs earlier access to rate information and reconciliation exhibits. CCO representatives then testified that the system is under significant financial pressure and that behavioral health state-directed payments, benefit changes, and federal uncertainty from H.R. 1 are reducing flexibility. CareOregon said it has lost more than $500 million over the last couple of years and is now making provider terminations and other network changes to align spending with available funding, while emphasizing that CCOs must make hard decisions about which services and providers can be sustained. Eastern Oregon CCO said rural and frontier factors, cost-based hospitals, air ambulance needs, and statewide efficiency adjustments are not fully reflected in rates, and that dental funding is especially strained. Trillium similarly warned that state-directed payments and benefit expansion pressures are constraining the global budget model and that H.R. 1 could worsen acuity and volatility. Members pressed the witnesses on who is responsible for evaluating treatment effectiveness, especially for ABA and psychotherapy, and on how utilization limits and reimbursement changes are being used to control costs. The committee then shifted to an overview of the Affordable Care Act and Oregon’s commercial insurance market. Department of Consumer and Business Services staff explained actuarial value, metal tiers, premium tax credits, medical loss ratio rules, and the main drivers of premium rates: cost trend, utilization trend, and administrative costs. They said mandates have likely added only a limited amount to premiums over the past decade, though the exact effect is difficult to isolate, and they gave examples of how high-cost, low-volume services versus broad, high-utilization services can affect rates differently. Staff also noted that Providence Health Plan and PacificSource Health Plans are withdrawing from the individual market, though consumers should still have at least three insurer options in every county and may have four in many counties. The division said it is in the middle of reviewing proposed 2027 rates and will continue its public rate review process, including hearings and written comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing health and wellness fields in our country, with the Bureau
• The bill also aligns with existing efforts by the American Massage Therapy Association and associated
• Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing health and wellness fields in the country.
• Massage therapy is one of the fastest growing health and wellness fields in the country.
• From these two data points, we know that massage therapy is a growing, viable career option and most

Bills: SB295, HB378

Keywords: SB295, Delaware, Title 24, aesthetician, aesthetics, cosmetology, barbering, electrology, nail technology, scope of practice, license display, apprentice permit, Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, microdermabrasion, microneedling, dermaplaning, chemical peel, exfoliation, lash extensions, brow tinting

Summary: The Senate Legislative Oversight Committee met in hybrid format, approved the minutes from its April 22 and May 13 meetings, and then heard two bills. HB 420 would modernize massage therapy licensure by allowing the Board of Massage and Bodywork to decide which coursework may be completed in a hybrid format and which must remain in person, while also removing outdated references to a license type the board no longer issues. The sponsor said the change would improve access for students who cannot easily travel or stop working, while preserving public protection through board rules. Public testimony on HB 420 was entirely supportive. Robert Overmiller spoke in favor, and Mackenzie Francis of Alpha School of Massage also supported the bill, citing workforce growth in massage therapy and arguing that hybrid education would expand access, especially for students entering the field later in life. No committee questions or objections were raised. The committee then discussed HB 378, which would continue the Council of Corrections’ partnership with the Criminal Justice Council and avoid the sunset of that arrangement in 2026. Members noted the bill stemmed from a prior Joint Legislative Oversight effort to provide the council with staff support and training. Robert Overmiller again testified in support, and there was no opposition or further public comment. The meeting concluded after discussion of the two bills, with no votes recorded in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• , massage therapy, pool therapy, and our much-needed respite care.
• ,<00:10:16.959> massage of life, like music therapy, massage of life, like music therapy,
• massage therapy,<00:10:18.399> pool<00:10:18.720> therapy,<00:10:19.279> and<00:
• 10:19.440> our therapy, pool therapy, and our therapy, pool therapy, and our muchneeded<00:10:
• :10:49.440> medical receive therapies, attend medical receive therapies, attend medical appointments

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and establishes standards for physicians who perform authorize stem cell therapies.
• As these investigations work their way through the disciplinary process, the Board of Massage therapy
• If I recall, you said that in with the enforcement on the illicit behavior on these massage therapy,
• Madam Chair on the STEM cell therapy. The and I love Chair Buchanan.
• Permissible therapies. What is permissible at this point? >> Thank you for that question.

Transcript Highlights:

• So now I think the stem cell therapy.
• First one is what is stem cell therapy?
• So I think there's stem cell therapy.
• So this is why this is not stem cell therapy as we're seeing it right now.
• This is stem cell therapy in the now.

Bills: HB0028, HB0080

Keywords: sexual exploitation, child protection, law amendment, explicit conduct, sex crimes, identification cards, nursing facilities, assisted living, renewal process, resident rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill goes to licensing of the occupational therapy.
• I'm here representing the New Mexico chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association.
• Currently, are places where all massage therapy is currently licensed under the RLD.
• That's what this is. pertaining to the licensed massage therapy facilities, is that correct?
• Would the Massage Therapy Board be able to absorb the costs of inspectors?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would prevent therapy and psychological services from using AI to do therapy or to diagnose
• > services<00:04:17.919> from therapy and psychological services from therapy and psychological
• <00:04:22.079> or<00:04:22.400> to using AI to um to do therapy or to using AI to um
• to do therapy or to diagnose<00:04:24.080> um<00:04:24.240> or<00:04:24.560> to
• our boards and the board with therapy our boards and the board with therapy when<00:08:46.160>

Keywords: Call to Order 00:00 Roll Call 00:03 HB 185 Discussion 1:00 HB 185 Vote 2:05 HB 455 Discussion 3:30 HB 455 Vote 9:00 Adjournment 10:30, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 185, sponsored by Representative Callaway, which would help people with criminal records return to work by reducing barriers related to occupational licensing. Callaway said Kentucky has roughly 200 licensed occupations and argued the bill would support both individuals and the workforce. Members noted the bill had already passed the House twice and that there were no substantive changes this year. The bill passed the committee cleanly on a roll call vote. The committee then considered House Bill 455, sponsored by Representative Bant, with a committee substitute adopted before the bill vote. The bill would prohibit therapy and psychological services from using AI to independently provide therapy, diagnose mental illness, make therapeutic recommendations, detect emotions, or otherwise replace human judgment in treatment. Bant said the goal was to ensure a human interacts with people dealing with mental illness, while still allowing AI for administrative tasks such as scheduling, reminders, notes, and other authorized functions. She said the substitute clarified that routine automated uses would remain allowed. Several members asked about the scope of the bill and whether it would affect billing, notes, or appointment systems. Bant said the Kentucky Psychological Association had raised concerns about section 32, but she believed the substitute addressed them. She also cited concerns about AI being used in harmful ways and said similar legislation had passed in Ohio and Illinois. The committee substitute was adopted, and House Bill 455 then passed the committee by roll call vote. The meeting adjourned after members recorded additional votes and attendance.

Transcript Highlights:

• , which provides the needed depth for effective therapy.
• Yeah, I appreciate your understanding of therapy, right?
• And that therapy happens in the confines of a relationship.
• So we have members in these areas who want to be seen in person, and family therapy, couples therapy,
• therapy, pediatrics, kids, you know, children's therapy, and a lot of our geriatric populations are

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on Kaiser Permanente’s behavioral health care system, focusing on Department of Managed Health Care enforcement actions, Kaiser’s corrective action work plan, and testimony from patients, advocates, and union representatives. DMHC officials reviewed a long history of complaints, surveys, fines, and settlements involving Kaiser’s access to behavioral health services, including deficiencies found in 2012 and 2016, a 2022 non-routine survey, and a 2023 settlement that imposed a $50 million penalty and required $150 million in community investments over five years. DMHC said it continues to monitor Kaiser through quarterly meetings, complaint review, follow-up surveys, and a reimbursement process for members who could not obtain timely in-network care. Committee members pressed DMHC on what “timely access” and continuity of care mean in practice, how virtual care and group therapy fit into the standards, and what triggers a non-routine survey. DMHC said initial behavioral health appointments generally should not take more than two weeks, urgent care should be within days, and follow-up care within 10 days, with out-of-network care required when plans cannot meet standards. Officials also said Kaiser’s initial corrective action work plan lacked detail, but the revised plan was accepted and will be tracked through quarterly reporting and possible additional enforcement if Kaiser fails to comply. The second panel featured testimony from a Kaiser enrollee, a behavioral health policy expert, a Kaiser therapist, and the NUHW president. The enrollee described serious delays and inadequate treatment for his daughter after a suicide attempt, while the therapist and union leader said Kaiser’s behavioral health system is understaffed, relies too heavily on short appointments, group therapy, and webinars, and treats behavioral health as less important than medical-surgical care. They argued Kaiser’s one-appointment-at-a-time scheduling rule and limited treatment time violate parity requirements and harm continuity of care. Several members criticized Kaiser for not appearing at the hearing and said the testimony underscored the need for stronger oversight, clearer metrics, and faster remedies for patients.

Transcript Highlights:

• that is providing uh therapy services. that is providing uh therapy services.
• It was not developed for therapy. It's not intended for therapy.
• It was not developed for therapy. It's not intended for therapy.
• It was not developed for therapy. It's not intended for therapy.
• guideline directed medication therapy. guideline directed medication therapy.

Keywords: 1189, house, all