Video & Transcript : 'infectious diseases' :
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FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Apr 15th, 2025
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine reducing waste, fraud and abuse through innovation, focusing on how AI and data can improve government efficiency. Apr 9th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Joint Economic Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- with patients, or do we want them doing diagnosis coding for whether you have CKD, chronic kidney disease
- disease stage 3A or 3B, I think we can all agree that we want doctors taking care of patients.
Committee:
Joint Joint Economic Committee
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, waste reduction, fraud prevention, government efficiency, improper payments, data reliability, oversight
Summary:
The meeting was chaired by Chairman Schweikert and involved a comprehensive discussion on how to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for reducing waste, fraud, and improper payments within federal programs. Key witnesses, including Mr. Andrew Canarsa from the Council of the Inspectors General, provided insights on the potential of AI in enhancing government efficiency. The committee emphasized the importance of reliable data and thorough examination of AI application to avoid unintended consequences while addressing the estimated $162 billion in improper payments reported by the federal government. Concerns were raised regarding the recent firing of inspectors general and the impacts that could have on oversight and accountability processes.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Banking and Insurance Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- In lines 91 through 96, the substitute amendment adds 'occupational disease' before the word 'suicide
- amendments suggested by the CFO's office related to the use of 'occupational illness' versus 'occupational disease
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several insurance, financial regulation, and public safety bills. SB 1656, a large Office of Insurance Regulation bill, was taken up with a delete-all amendment and extensive discussion. The bill would increase transparency in insurance rates and mitigation data, update reciprocal insurer rules, limit use-and-file rate filings, expand cybersecurity breach notification, and strengthen oversight of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Residents and senior advocates generally supported stronger oversight to prevent bankruptcies like the Unison case, while CCRC operators and industry groups warned that lien authority, reserve requirements, and other provisions could raise borrowing costs and burden well-run communities. The committee adopted the delete-all amendment and then reported the bill favorably after debate and public testimony.
The committee also passed SB 1658 on the public records database for uniform mitigation verification forms, with a clarifying amendment protecting policyholders’ personal information. SB 1612 on financial institutions was reported favorably after an amendment and substitute amendment dealing with credit union investment limits and reimbursement rules for board members. SB 1740, an insurance bill aimed at reducing premiums and insolvency risk, was amended to prioritize rate-decrease filings and prohibit AI as the sole basis for claim denials; it was then reported favorably. SB 1212 on firefighter health and safety was amended to add occupational disease language and other firefighter protections, including safer gear, cancer prevention, and possible telehealth mental health services, and was also reported favorably.
Finally, SB 1184 on residual market insurers was amended to preserve existing excess-and-surplus line standards, strengthen consumer disclosures, and clarify Citizens-related appointment rules before being reported favorably. Throughout the meeting, committee members repeatedly noted that several bills were still being refined with stakeholders, and multiple public witnesses testified in support of or opposition to the CCRC and insurance provisions, focusing on resident protection, financial stability, and unintended cost impacts.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 20, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- He believed it to be an autoimmune disease, but biopsies at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami were
- And, you know, through the disease, they abscond, they run away; they were looking for that safety of
Summary:
The subcommittee first heard HB 103, which would require hospitals and surgical centers to adopt policies using surgical smoke evacuation systems during procedures. Representative Woodson and several nurses and health care advocates testified that surgical smoke contains harmful chemicals and pathogens, poses respiratory risks to operating room staff and patients, and that the bill is needed to protect nurses and address workforce shortages. Members from both parties voiced support, and the bill was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote.
The committee then took up HB 223, as amended, which would allow residents of nursing home or assisted living rooms to use fixed cameras, with guardrails on consent, non-rotatable placement, and prohibitions on posting footage online. The sponsor said the measure is intended to help families monitor loved ones and deter abuse or neglect, while supporters from AARP and some caregivers described cameras as tools for accountability and peace of mind. Facility and industry representatives raised concerns about privacy, dignity, roommate consent, and the potential impact on personal care conversations and resident autonomy.
After questions and debate, members discussed how consent would work, who could access recordings, and how the bill would handle roommate changes and misuse of footage. The sponsor said the bill would continue to be refined in later committees. HB 223 was reported favorably as amended by a 16-2 vote, with Representatives Campbell and Franklin voting no. The meeting then adjourned.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- House Resolution 1017 is just to recognize May as ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease Awareness Month, and that's
Committee:
All HOUSE MANAGEMENT
Summary:
The committee opened by explaining a new procedure for non-controversial resolutions: they will be heard on Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. for presentation only, then placed on a blue consent calendar for approval on Thursday, while regular resolutions continue on the red calendar. Members were told this was the first use of the process and that it may take some adjustment.
The committee then considered House Bill 1003, a staff appropriation measure presented by House Speaker Brian Evans. He said the bill would allow the House to pay and support its staff for their work. The bill drew no questions, received a motion and second, and passed to the red calendar.
Several resolutions were then adopted without objection. House Resolution 1017 recognized May as ALS Awareness Month; House Resolution 108 honored the Barton Bears for winning the state basketball championship; House Resolution 1019 recognized the economic impact of Nucor Corporation; and House Resolution 1020 honored Frederick Henry Middleton for 50 years of service as assistant superintendent of the street department in Arkadelphia. Each was approved and placed on the blue calendar for the next day. Some items were skipped because the sponsors were absent, and the meeting adjourned after the listed business was completed.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- House Resolution 1017 is just to recognize May as ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease Awareness Month, and that's
Committee:
All HOUSE MANAGEMENT
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Apr 6th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- time to make its final report on certain current Senate documents relative to establishing a celiac disease
Summary:
The Senate took up several local and fiscal measures. It first considered a bill authorizing the town of Berkeley to recall elected officials (Senate No. 2552), adopted an amendment substituting a new draft (Senate No. 3018), and then passed the bill to be engrossed. The Senate also passed to be engrossed a bill concerning the assessment of local property taxes in Springfield (House No. 3213).
The chamber then acted on a House-amended bill to amend the charter of the town of Sandwich (Senate No. 2859). After suspending the rules, the Senate concurred in the House amendment. It also adopted a committee report and order extending the Public Health Committee’s reporting deadline to April 17, 2026, for a celiac disease screening pilot program measure.
Finally, the Senate considered House No. 5348, a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill. The Senate suspended the rules, ordered it to a third reading, passed it to be engrossed, adopted the required emergency preamble by standing vote, and then passed the bill to be enacted. The bill was sent to the Governor after being signed by the President. The Senate then adopted an order to read the journal and meet again the following Wednesday at 11 a.m., and adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Apr 6th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Higher Education and Workforce Development Feb 24th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Higher Education and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- It looks like the House Committee substitute establishes the Pediatric Disease Task Force, lines 13 through
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances REVISED: HB3530 - Added Feb 11th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Substances
Transcript Highlights:
- House Members, House Bill 530 is simply a clarity bill that sets timelines for ABLE license disease to
Keywords:
alcoholic beverages, personal use permit, manufacturing, excise tax, Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, medical marijuana, license transfer, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, moratorium, business regulation, commercial grower licenses, licensing restrictions, agriculture, alternative nicotine products, vaping, regulations, manufacturing standards, packaging requirements, penalties, Attorney General
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- meeting held on May 5th for the following nominees: Jerry Kennedy Weldon, Council on Cardiovascular Disease
Bills:
HJR98 , HB142 , HB912 , HB2525 , SCR19 , SB66 , SB128 , SB209 , SB250 , SB317 , SB383 , SB393 , SB397 , SB517 , SB571 , SB612 , SB614 , SB715 , SB731 , SB801 , SB865 , SB867 , SB872 , SB905 , SB913 , SB945 , SB946 , SB986 , SB1013 , SB1015 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1113 , SB1117 , SB1181 , SB1212 , SB1241 , SB1250 , SB1263 , SB1278 , SB1285 , SB1444 , SB1483 , SB1525 , SB1528 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1588 , SB1660 , SB1708 , SB1802 , SB1833 , SB1844 , SB1854 , SB1957 , SB1965 , SB1999 , SB2056 , SB2082 , SB2119 , SB2133 , SB2138 , SB2203 , SB2221 , SB2337 , SB2340 , SB2373 , SB2419 , SB2422 , SB2452 , SB2477 , SB2487 , SB2501 , SB2533 , SB2586 , SB2587 , SB2615 , SB2622 , SB2633 , SB2675 , SB2681 , SB2690 , SB2713 , SB2717 , SB2753 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB2835 , SB2841 , SB2857 , SB2891 , SB2929 , SB2933 , SB2994 , SB3016 , SJR3 , SB5 , SB29 , SB72 , SB326 , SB494 , SB509 , SB530 , SB616 , SB769 , SB783 , SB963 , SB985 , SB1143 , SB1172 , SB1238 , SB1267 , SB1271 , SB1273 , SB1506 , SB1759 , SB1786 , SB1967 , SB2312 , SB2361 , SB1 , SB260 , SB1506 , SB1637 , HJR98 , HJR99 , HJR2 , HJR1 , HB1109 , HB1392 , HB22 , HB2525 , HB3093 , HB517 , HB912 , HB1130 , HB142 , HB1689 , HB2018 , HB136 , HB2884 , HB1393 , HB2730 , HB1399 , HB1244 , HB467 , HB331 , HB2559 , HB29 , HB26 , HB166 , HB353 , HB2000 , HB2756 , HB3248 , HB3513 , HB3204 , HB3135 , HB3012 , HB2763 , HB2523 , HB2457 , HB2415 , HB2198 , HB2143 , HB1708 , HB1672 , HB767 , HB1327 , HB2723 , HB451 , HB140 , HB109 , HB3096 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR29 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR56 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR74 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SB2023 , SB1844 , SB2533 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2681 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB1013 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB2929 , SB715 , SB1640 , SB2538 , SB1449 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB1359 , SB410 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2138 , SB2615 , SB2972 , SB2841 , SB3016 , SB1856 , SB1528 , SB1373 , SB672 , SB2891 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB1285 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB1237 , SB1586 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2342 , SB2903 , SB2477 , SB3029 , SB1957 , SB375 , SB250 , SB777 , SB2367 , SB2703 , SB2608 , SB2965 , SB2521 , SB865 , SB2165 , SB2501 , SB2675 , SB2452 , SB2835 , SB872 , SB1212 , SB1278 , SB1588 , SB1602 , SB1704 , SB1723 , SB1833 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB2009 , SB2177 , SB2460 , SB2785 , SB2373 , SB1660 , SB614 , SB867 , SB1608 , SB1525 , SB905 , SB640 , SB2487 , SB1698 , SB383 , SB705 , SB748 , SB1113 , SB1117 , SB1802 , SB2340 , SB2586 , SB2680 , SB2690 , SB2994 , SB2747 , SB1950 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB3059 , SB2782 , SB2781 , SB2637 , SB2633 , SB2337 , SB2334 , SB1861 , SB2043 , SB1367 , SB946 , SB945 , SB2857 , SB128 , SB571 , SB1263 , SB3058 , SB612 , SB2221 , SB2587 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2713 , SB2311 , SB1986 , SB2565 , SB2943 , SB1888 , SB2417 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3056 , SB3043 , SB3037 , SB3050 , SB3063 , SB3047 , SB3035 , SB2446 , SB466 , SB2611 , SB2794 , SB2105 , SB2017 , SB1790 , SB1778 , SB1730 , SB2995 , SB2847 , SB205 , SB2619 , SB1903 , SB203 , SB3061 , SB1581 , SB2600 , SB2799 , SB2790 , SB2688 , SB2515 , SB1230 , SB876 , SB2522 , SB2639 , SB2137 , SB2519 , SB2403 , SB2459 , SB3051 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB2764 , SB2878 , SB1884 , SB111 , SB582 , SB2617 , SB1835 , SB2751 , SB2959 , SB250 , SB614 , SB865 , SB872 , SB905 , SB986 , SB1113 , SB1212 , SB1278 , SB1525 , SB1588 , SB1660 , SB1802 , SB1833 , SB2487 , SB2586 , SB2675 , SB2690 , SB2929 , HB912 , HB2525 , SB1844 , SB2533 , SB1957 , SB1999 , SB2138 , SB2615 , SB3016 , SR469 , SB29 , SB326 , SB494 , SB530 , SB769 , SB783 , SB1238 , SB1967 , SB2312 , SB1506 , HJR34 , HB42 , HB198 , HB247 , HB367 , HB449 , HB632 , HB668 , HB677 , HB766 , HB1105 , HB1160 , HB1169 , HB1592 , HB1778 , HB1781 , HB1868 , HB2017 , HB2038 , HB2128 , HB2240 , HB2316 , HB2510 , HB2516 , HB2563 , HB2582 , HB2663 , HB2712 , HB2715 , HB2760 , HB2788 , HB3010 , HB3069 , HB3112 , HB3120 , HB3146 , HB3157 , HB3305 , HB3348 , HB3464 , HB3474 , HB3505 , HB3512 , HB3560 , HB3597 , HB3686 , HB3783 , HB3860 , HB4063 , HB4081 , HB4214 , HB4215 , HB4224 , HB4273 , HB4325 , HB4361 , HB4386 , HB4395 , HB4665 , HB4783 , HB5032 , HB5180 , HJR34 , HB42 , HB198 , HB247 , HB367 , HB449 , HB632 , HB668 , HB677 , HB766 , HB1105 , HB1160 , HB1169 , HB1592 , HB1778 , HB1781 , HB1868 , HB2017 , HB2038 , HB2128 , HB2240 , HB2316 , HB2510 , HB2516 , HB2563 , HB2582 , HB2663 , HB2712 , HB2715 , HB2760 , HB2788 , HB3010 , HB3069 , HB3112 , HB3120 , HB3146 , HB3157 , HB3305 , HB3348 , HB3464 , HB3474 , HB3505 , HB3512 , HB3560 , HB3597 , HB3686 , HB3783 , HB3860 , HB4063 , HB4081 , HB4214 , HB4215 , HB4224 , HB4273 , HB4325 , HB4361 , HB4386 , HB4395 , HB4665 , HB4783 , HB5032 , HB5180
Keywords:
Article V, federal government, fiscal restraints, constitutional amendment, term limits, HB 142, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC, Office of Inspector General, OIG, Medicaid, Medicaid managed care, recovery audit contractor, RAC, overpayment recovery, underpayment, fraud, waste, abuse, provider enrollment
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 48 (3-17-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The risk against chronic diseases. >> Gentleman from Laroo. >> Mr.
- the risk against chronic<00:25:11.919><c> diseases.</c> chronic diseases. chronic diseases.
- </c><00:27:01.200><c> that</c><00:27:01.520><c> can</c> label of the possible diseases that can label
- .<00:28:33.520><c> And</c> diseases.
- And diseases.
AR
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- House Resolution 1017 is just to recognize May as ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease Awareness Month, and that's
Committee:
All HOUSE MANAGEMENT
Summary:
The committee opened by explaining a new process for non-controversial resolutions: they will be heard on Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. for presentation only, without a vote, and then placed on a Thursday consent calendar for approval. Regular resolutions will continue on the red calendar. Members were told the new procedure may take some adjustment, and the committee proceeded through the first set of items under that system.
House Bill 1003, by Speaker Brian Evans, was presented as a staff appropriation measure to allow payment for House staff; it was approved without questions and sent to the red calendar. House Resolution 1017, by Representative Stetson Painter, recognized May as ALS awareness month and was approved for the blue calendar. House Resolution 108, by Representative Mark McElroy, honored the Barton Bears for winning the state basketball championship; after a brief question about the opponent, it was approved and scheduled for the red calendar, with a request to move it to the next Wednesday noted. House Resolution 1019, by Representative Joey Carr, recognized the economic impact of NewCorp Corporation, and House Resolution 1020, by Representative Richard Womack, honored Frederick Henry Middleton for 50 years of service in Arkadelphia; both were approved for the blue calendar.
Several other items were skipped because sponsors were absent, including House Memorial Resolution 1001, House Memorial Resolution 1002, and House Resolution 1021. With no further business, the committee adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Zarini's bill about training on dementia and Alzheimer's disease for certain guardians.
Committee:
Senate Jurisprudence
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence met with a quorum present and considered several pending bills, mostly involving family law, guardianship, probate, and property association matters. The committee adopted committee substitutes where offered and heard brief references that the bills had been previously explained. Bills considered included SB 746 on guardianship matters, SB 1403 on child support enforcement and procedures, SB 1404 on orders and judgments in suits affecting the parent-child relationship, SB 942 on retroactive child support beginning at conception, SB 1448 on decedents’ estates and probate courts, SB 1536 on dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, and SB 711 on property owners’ associations and condominium unit owners’ associations. The committee also referenced that SB 942 had been previously voted out and was being advanced again for floor consideration.
Each bill received unanimous approval from the members present, with votes recorded as 5 ayes and 0 nays. The committee voted to report each bill favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. For several measures, the committee also voted to certify them as local and uncontested, including SB 746, SB 1403, SB 1448, SB 1536, and SB 711. No opposition or substantive debate was recorded, and no other business was taken up before the committee recessed.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- these sensors that measure your brain waves and they can identify anxiety, depression, Parkinson's disease
- ,<01:33:03.960><c> epilepsy,</c><01:33:05.400><c> um</c> disease, epilepsy, um disease, epilepsy, um
- neurocognitive disorders, behavioral disorders, respiratory problems, cancer, and cardiovascular disease
- respiratory problems, cancer and respiratory problems, cancer and cardiovascular<01:46:52.240><c> disease
- </c> cardiovascular disease. cardiovascular disease.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (05/05/2026)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Novo Nordisk in the Upper Valley is another one of our founders, and they manufacture for rare disease
- :10:20.640><c> rare</c> Um, and they manufacture um for rare Um, and they manufacture um for rare disease
- uh cases out of the Upper Valley disease uh cases out of the Upper Valley location.<01:10:23.920><c>
- We had a right-to-try expansion to go to chronic diseases. >> Yeah. >> We've not taken a position on
- </c> expansion to go to chronic diseases. expansion to go to chronic diseases.
Committee:
House Science, Technology and Energy
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- costs is folks who have diabetes or who are otherwise overweight, dealing with things like heart disease
- costs is folks who have diabetes or who are otherwise overweight, dealing with things like heart disease
- Every day in our Medicaid system: Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, sleep
- apnea, joint disease, fatty liver disease, kidney disease, and certain cancers.
- population and maybe get rid of some of the expenses that we're paying to try to treat all those diseases
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- But what I want to bring up is my dad had Parkinson's disease for 30 years.
- </c><01:10:36.480><c> And</c> Parkinson's disease for 30 years.
- And Parkinson's disease for 30 years.
- Watson: Parkinson's disease. Uh, you may remember I've said he was my driver's ed teacher.
- Watson: Parkinson's disease. Uh, you may remember I've said he was my driver's ed teacher.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- As the disease progresses, mobility challenges, costs, and logistics can make that travel difficult or
- </c><00:40:28.240><c> As</c><00:40:28.400><c> a</c><00:40:28.640><c> disease</c> inner inner island travel
- As a disease inner inner island travel.
- As a disease progresses,<00:40:29.520><c> mobility</c><00:40:30.000><c> challenges,</c><00:40:30.560>
- The center for Disease Control and Prevention manages the national violent death reporting system.
Committee:
House Health
Keywords:
accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers.
The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation.
For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.