Transcript Highlights:

• The first is for the Agency for Health Care Administration.
• That's what this program here does; it covers uncompensated care.
• outpatient services to Medicaid-managed care enrollees.
• To care because those hospitals are not participating in the program.
• It's having access to the care that they need. That's my question. Mr.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The use of physician assistants is a key strategy for our health care partners to meet health care demand
• Growing our health care and mental health care workforce presents a pragmatic and principled strategy
• Our state also has gaps in eye care.
• The demand for eye care is rising, but the workforce supply is... ...care.
• The direct costs?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so there's just... ...and our directed plan of correction with the Office of Long-Term Care.
• You can't find a direct care provider that you trust to have in your home.
• The direct care providers...
• And so they came in and in there what they call a directed plan of care that they gave Warren.
• They're directed by Long-Term Care, and there are federal surveyors.

Summary: The Joint State Agencies committee met to approve the October 8, 2025 minutes and then held an extended hearing on the death of Zachary Moore at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center. DHS officials Lori McDonald, Jennifer Brise, and Melissa Weatherton described the HDC system, staffing and resident needs, and said Moore died after being held in a prone restraint for about 13 minutes, followed by a delayed chemical restraint and delayed CPR. They said the family settled a wrongful death claim for $725,000, 13 staff were terminated, the facility leadership was changed, and at least five staff had been criminally charged, with the death certificate later described as homicide and the cause of death as physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint. Members pressed DHS on why the family was not kept informed, whether there was a written restraint protocol, how staff are trained, and why the agency did not have more complete information ready for the hearing. DHS said staff receive CPI restraint training, annual restraint training is mandatory, and a consultant is reviewing policies, retraining staff, and conducting a root cause analysis under a directed plan of correction from the Office of Long-Term Care. Legislators also raised broader concerns about low pay, staffing shortages, use of float and contract staff, and a waiting list of about 2,000 people for home- and community-based care. DHS said it is working on a retention and recruitment plan and a rate report for certain PASS services, but that the PASS rate study does not cover CNA pay. Several members said the incident reflected both a failure of restraint practice and a broader staffing and oversight problem. DHS acknowledged that prone restraint should not have been used, that the chemical restraint was given at the wrong time, and that multiple breakdowns occurred in supervision, communication, and equipment use. The committee also discussed whether there should be more regular independent audits of HDC policies, and DHS said it does not currently have a separate annual policy audit beyond existing oversight. At the end of the meeting, the committee asked DHS to keep it updated on recruitment, consultant reports, and to contact Moore’s mother about the communication she had been promised. The meeting adjourned without any additional formal action beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• our managed care program.
• patient care?
• , that they had the care.
• We're a Medicaid-managed care state.
• And so as the Community Behavioral Health Agency that's directing that care after they've been admitted

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee held a panel discussion on Florida’s mental health and substance abuse system, with representatives from DCF, AHCA, two managing entities, and two providers describing how the state’s behavioral health network is funded and operated. Members focused on the implementation of prior legislative investments, especially the $50 million in recurring funding from Representative Maney’s bill and the earlier $126 million community behavioral health appropriation. Witnesses said the newer funds were used mainly for crisis beds, discharge planning, outpatient services, regional collaboratives, and a USF Marchman Act report, while the larger behavioral health appropriation supported CAT, FACT, FIT, forensic teams, residential and outpatient services, and crisis care, with most dollars going directly to services and only a small share to administration. A major theme was access to crisis care and the role of mobile response teams, 988, and central receiving facilities in diverting people from Baker Act admissions and reducing readmissions. DCF and providers said mobile response teams have expanded, are being used to de-escalate crises and connect people to care, and have shown strong diversion results and reductions in Baker Acts in some regions. Members also asked about waitlists, children in crisis, and how to handle people without housing or support; providers said discharge planning is individualized but often constrained by homelessness, transportation, and a lack of safe placements, and several witnesses identified housing as one of the biggest barriers to recovery and stability. The committee also examined provider sustainability, reimbursement, and funding gaps. Witnesses described delays caused by contract timing, cost allocation rules, and Medicaid reimbursement rates that do not always keep pace with labor and operating costs, especially for smaller providers and rural networks. DCF and AHCA said managing entities can provide advances, retroactive rate adjustments, and technical assistance, and that Medicaid managed care plans have network standards and complaint/dispute processes. Members raised concerns about a reported $7 million loss in federal non-sustainable funds, provider closures, and whether there is a formal ombudsman process for disputes; DCF said the federal reductions were known and tied to one-time funds, and that the department generally handles provider issues informally while working with managing entities to preserve continuity of care.

Transcript Highlights:

• care and the department of direct care and treatment<00:20:36.799><c> for</c><00:20:36.960><c> the</
• </c><00:26:21.840><c> it's</c><00:26:21.960><c> a</c> Direct Care and treatment and it's a Direct Care
• care and treat admissions to direct care and treat treatment<00:26:59.039><c> and</c><00:26:59.520><
• all</c><01:04:22.640><c> of</c> for all direct care workers for all of for all direct care workers for
• </c> investment in 201 U 18 we had a direct investment in 201 U 18 we had a direct care<01:04:43.000>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, Senator Chair Trumbull, Health Care. Chair Trumbull, health care.
• Senator Trombo, health care. Senator Trumbull, health care?
• Senator Trumbull, health care?
• The Community Care for the Elderly serves 637 new folks, and then the Home Care for the Elderly, $3.5
• Specifically, the amendment revises health care, Medicaid, developmental disability, long-term care,

Summary: The Senate took up the conference report on House Bill 501E, the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026-27, with Chair Hooper and the appropriations chairs walking through the $114.5 billion budget. Major highlights included pay increases for state law enforcement, firefighters, park rangers, and correctional officers; funding for teacher salary increases and K-12 enrollment stabilization; workforce and university funding in higher education; major Medicaid, nursing home, waiver, and opioid-related investments in health and human services; corrections and prison-capacity funding; transportation, housing, and emergency management spending; and large environmental appropriations for Florida Forever, Everglades restoration, and water quality projects. Members then asked detailed questions about specific items. Senators pressed on the Hamilton Center at UF, the difference between assistant state attorney and public defender pay, declining student enrollment funding, private school scholarship vouchers, mental health funding in schools, the lack of preeminence funding, APD’s iBudget waiver wait list and provider rates, ADAP premium assistance and the return of Biktarvy to the formulary, prison staffing and air conditioning, Florida Forever land-buying versus easements, SNAP and Sun Bucks funding, Hope Florida, election audit funding, and the IDD managed care program. Chairs generally explained the negotiated compromises, noted where funding was flat or omitted, and in several cases said items would be revisited next year or depended on agency implementation. Several senators used debate to praise the budget while also criticizing major policy choices. Leader Berman argued the state should have expanded Medicaid, invested more in public schools instead of vouchers, and accepted federal summer EBT funds. Other senators highlighted local wins such as Biscayne Bay restoration, Tri-Rail, housing assistance, ADAP funding, and declining enrollment support. The transcript ends with debate remarks thanking Chair Hooper for his work on the budget; no final vote is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• To the point and direct with your questions.
• for children born with plans of safe care.
• hospital helping with that plan of care, but HCA does not provide direct services.
• They're caring for medically fragile children.
• In our Senator Tobiasson: Care.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know you take as good care of your staff as you do those who are in your care.
• We're the ones providing the direct service.
• Our work involves direct supervision, care, and protection of individuals with developmental disabilities
• While working in the group home, we provided direct personal care assistance with bathing, dressing,
• Most importantly, we provide regular direct supports.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several retirement and workforce-related bills. House Bill 2980 would place county correctional nurses and certain medical staff into Group 4 retirement. Representative Trino, Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, and nurse manager Leanne Cameron argued that correctional nurses work in dangerous, high-stress settings with frequent contact with incarcerated people, high rates of mental illness and substance use in the jail population, and significant workplace violence, and that the change would help recruitment and retention with limited statewide fiscal impact. The committee also heard Senate Bill 210, which would create a commission to study additional regular compensation and annual expenses for members of the General Court. Senator John Keenan said Massachusetts has high leadership stipends compared with other states and argued the current structure can affect independence and public trust. Representative O'Day testified on House Bill 2928 to extend Group 2 retirement to additional Department of Children and Families social workers, and SEIU 509 witnesses described frequent transport of children, crisis response, threats, assaults, and other high-risk duties that they said match Group 2 work. Additional testimony supported House Bill 2943 for DDS service coordinators and supervisors, with witnesses describing home visits in unsafe conditions, transport of vulnerable individuals, direct care during staffing crises, and exposure to violence. House Bill 2899 drew support from the Association of Social Work Boards for social work field placement grants, incentives for supervisors, and expanded retirement benefits for DCF social workers. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2613, a local retirement bill for Salem police officer Kathleen Roachville, who described a severe line-of-duty injury during an arrest involving a combative person in a mental health crisis. Finally, Susan Smith Campbell testified for reclassifying certain DYS administrative officers into Group 2 because of their direct involvement in restraints, assaults, and crisis management. After testimony concluded, the committee adjourned without taking any votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Partial list of those 875 contracts that provide direct service to veterans for cancer care, for recruiting
• impacts of these firings on veteran direct health care and benefits?
• with VA direct care, and that VA's aging infrastructure is a contributor to the misbalance. we're seeing
• Once again, we do care about the care and well-being of our veterans.
• We recommend the External Provider Scheduling Program be expanded nationally to include direct care availability

Keywords: veteran services, homelessness, unemployment, VA funding, mental health, congressional oversight, testimonies, American Legion, Dole Act, suicide prevention

Summary: This meeting focused on veteran services, emphasizing the urgent need to address the alarming rate of unemployment and homelessness among veterans. Numerous testimonies were presented detailing the impact of mass furloughs and cutbacks at the VA on personnel, notably veterans who were serving as employees. Various representatives expressed deep concern over how these firings could drastically affect the quality of care available to those who have served the nation. There was a strong call for Congress to bolster funding for existing programs aimed at alleviating veteran homelessness and improving overall care quality, especially in mental health services.

Transcript Highlights:

• driven up the cost of maternal care for millions, making this vital care inaccessible for those unable
• driven up the cost of maternal care for millions, making this vital care inaccessible for those unable
• to quality, affordable care.
• to quality, affordable care.
• to quality, affordable care.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 20, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The federal HR1 law limits state-directed payments and restricts the imposition of new health care-related
• provider payment initiatives under Medicaid managed care organization or MCO contracts.
• the non-federal share of state-directed payments, including provider assessments.
• The federal HR1 law limits state-directed payments and restricts the imposition of new health care-related
• provider tax. limits state directive payments and restricts the imposition of new health care related

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2251, sponsored by Rep. Fitzgibbon, would reorganize Climate Commitment Act revenue accounts by repealing several existing accounts and creating new operating and capital accounts, changing how auction proceeds are distributed when revenues are above or below a set threshold, broadening some tribal and overburdened-community spending language, adding electric vehicles and certain housing uses, capping Ecology administrative costs, and moving some reporting from annual to every two years. Supporters said the bill would simplify a confusing account structure and improve predictability, while opponents criticized the reduced reporting frequency and said it could weaken accountability. No vote was taken. House Bill 2254 would adjust the funding model for the Partnership Access Line and related behavioral health consultation programs by allowing the cost of the third-party administrator to be included in the carrier assessment rather than paid from general funds. Committee staff said this would produce general fund savings, and testimony from HCA, UW Medicine, Seattle Children’s, and others supported the bill as a technical fix that would stabilize the programs and potentially free up funds to restore service levels. No vote was taken. House Bill 2385 would extend deadlines and the expiration date for the Medicaid Access Program created last session, after federal HR1 restrictions prevented implementation of the original program and provider assessment. The bill would push out CMS submission deadlines, update the rate-setting reference year, and extend the act’s sunset date. The sponsor and the Washington State Medical Association supported the bill as necessary to preserve the option of pursuing the program later. The committee took no action and adjourned after the hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• So direct service providers that use it, be it child care or direct service providers for people with
• So direct service providers that use it, be it child care or direct service providers for people with
• So direct service providers that use it, be it child care or direct service providers for people with
• So direct service providers that use it, be it child care or direct service providers for people with
• > providers</c> child care or direct service providers child care or direct service providers for<01:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• contractors, and the sub itself only applies that right to cure to owners and direct contractors, not
• contractors and the sub itself only applies that right to cure to owners and direct contractors not
• that right to cure to owners and direct contractors, not to subcontractors.
• they can continue to pay their health care benefits while they are recovering from an injury.
• ...will receive enough to pay for their health care benefits. Thank you.

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee met on January 28, 2026, first hearing staff briefings and then taking executive action on House Bills 1571, 2144, 2191, and 2372. HB 1571 would make heart conditions a presumptive occupational disease for certain firefighters and law enforcement officers; members spoke in support of the bill as a response to the stresses and exposures of those jobs, and it was reported out 8-1 with a do-pass recommendation. HB 2144 would require notice to employees when employers use electronic monitoring for performance evaluations. The committee considered several amendments to a proposed substitute, adopting an amendment clarifying private communications protections but rejecting amendments to broaden emergency exceptions and remove the private right of action. The bill, as amended, passed 6-3. HB 2191 concerns wages in the construction industry and employer/contractor liability for unpaid wages. The committee considered a proposed substitute and several amendments. Members rejected amendments to include public entities as owners and to extend the right to cure to subcontractors, but adopted amendments removing Attorney General enforcement authority and making additional clarifying changes. Supporters emphasized accountability for unpaid wages and protecting vulnerable workers; opponents raised concerns about the scope of liability. The amended bill was reported out 6-3. HB 2372 would require workers’ compensation time loss benefits to include the full employer health care premium contribution rather than a partial percentage. An amendment to add L&I invoice and notice requirements and bar attorney fees on the health-care-premium portion was rejected, and the bill was then reported out 6-3. The committee also held public hearings on HB 2563 and HB 2188. HB 2563 would allow the Office of Administrative Hearings to automatically serve unemployment-case notices electronically during a pilot period ending July 30, 2029. OAH testified that the change would reduce mailing costs and improve service, while the Unemployment Law Project warned it would harm claimants with limited digital access and create procedural barriers; no action was taken during the hearing. HB 2188 would require L&I to publish actuarial indicated workers’ compensation rates and explain when rate caps shift costs to other classes. Business groups supported the transparency measure, and L&I testified it could provide the information and that the bill would have no fiscal impact; the hearing was closed without action.

Transcript Highlights:

• care.
• My question is: how will reducing the number, how will it impact patient care, or will it have a direct
• care.
• care.
• care and the barriers that exist in access to health care.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum, first taking up referred administrative regulations. One regulation was deferred, and two others were noted as deficient; with no one wishing to speak, the committee treated the regulations as reviewed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 13 from Chairman Meredith, which would reduce the number of Medicaid managed care organizations from five to three. Meredith argued the bill would reduce administrative burden, improve oversight, help rural providers, and potentially lower costs for families and the Medicaid program. Senators Berg, Herron, and Douglas asked about data, patient impact, network adequacy, and prior authorization burdens; Meredith said the effect on patients would be indirect through better access and less administrative delay. The committee approved a committee substitute and passed SB 13 favorably on a 10-0 vote. The committee next considered Senate Joint Resolution 26, presented by Senator Richardson and Kentucky Pharmacists Association Executive Director Ben Mudd. The resolution asks the Department of Medicaid Services to provide data and cost analysis on paying pharmacists fairly for clinical services already within their scope of practice under Medicaid and KCHIP. Supporters said pharmacists can improve access, especially in rural areas, by providing services such as medication therapy management, chronic disease management, and preventive care, and that the resolution is intended to gather information before any future bill. Senator Douglas questioned whether expanded pharmacy duties have actually improved access or outcomes and whether there is published data; Mudd said the Board of Pharmacy tracks use of protocols but that more data is needed. The committee approved the resolution by roll call, with all members voting aye. At the end of the meeting, Chairman Meredith announced that Senate Bill 27 would be heard for discussion only and not acted on that day so members could review it further. Senator Brandon Storm introduced SB 27, which would create a Kentucky Parkinson’s disease research registry, and noted that a Michael J. Fox Foundation representative could not attend because of a winter storm; her letter was included in the packet. Storm said the registry is intended to support research and policy by tracking Parkinson’s disease in Kentucky, citing national prevalence and cost figures. No vote was taken on SB 27 during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• care plus rate.
• This is only public comment on child care issues. Only child care. The health care.
• Public comment on child care issues. Only child care.
• Child care, I have a comment about your child care discussion.
• care.

Summary: The committee first heard May Revision child care and human services items. The Department of Child Support Services described two technical adjustments, which the analyst supported. The Department of Social Services then walked through child care proposals, including a reduction in federal and Proposition 64 funding absorbed through a shift from General Child Care to the Alternative Payment program, a 2.01% child care COLA, disaster-related infrastructure grants, a new administrative support cost structure for Alternative Payment agencies, the removal of prospective pay funding after a federal rule change, a reappropriation for existing infrastructure grants, and estimates of unspent child care funds. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended asking for more justification for shifting reductions to CAP, supported the COLA reduction but wanted consistency across programs, recommended removing prospective pay funding, opposed the administrative cost shift, and suggested further review of disaster grant alignment. Members pressed the administration on why more slots would be cut for the same savings, why the COLA was reduced, and whether the administrative percentage would grow over time. The administration said the changes were intended to avoid disrupting currently enrolled families, reflect point-in-time relinquishments and unspent funds, and stabilize contractor operations. Public commenters, including providers, advocates, and county representatives, urged full COLA funding, rejection of child care slot reductions, preservation of prospective pay, and continued investment in child care infrastructure and access. The subcommittee then recessed before moving to health items. In Part B, the Department of State Hospitals presented its May Revision proposals, including a central utility plant replacement project at Metropolitan State Hospital, funding for a continuum electronic health record system, reduced county bed billing authority to reflect phase-in of additional LPS beds, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscription services, reversion of prior-year unspent operating funds, and a workforce development proposal to use Behavioral Health Services Act funds instead of General Fund for training programs. The department said the EHR would modernize records and improve continuity of care, and that the contract exemption would prevent delays in essential clinical information services. No votes were taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 23 it talks about a health care practitioner who aids or abets another health care practitioner
• and intensive care units in long-term care settings.
• When patients lose access, care is delayed. When care is delayed, illness gets worse.
• CARE BECAUSE A DESIGNATION CHANGE, 520 IT PROTECTS CONTINUITY OF CARE ARE WHERE ACCESS IS MOST FRAGILE
• . 521 WHEN PATIENTS LOSE ACCESS CARE IS DELAYED. 522 WHEN CARE IS DELAYED 523 ILLNESS GETS WORSE. 524

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a series of health care-related bills, with Chair Tuck emphasizing respectful debate and noting that all bills on the agenda would be voted on that day. The first measure, HB 743, would give the Attorney General authority to investigate and bring civil actions against health care practitioners who violate Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and would make aiding or abetting such conduct a third-degree felony. Supporters said it closed loopholes and protected minors and parental rights, while opponents argued it was vague, overbroad, and could chill lawful care and professional judgment. The bill passed 13-4 and was reported favorably. The committee then unanimously approved PCS for HB 567, which narrows a continuing-education requirement for podiatrists so only those who prescribe controlled substances must take the related two-hour course. It also unanimously approved HB 439, allowing chiropractors, under specified training and certification requirements, to inject vitamins and nutrients while continuing to prohibit intravenous injections. The committee also passed HB 1235 to enter Florida into the respiratory care interstate compact, and HB 1237, a linked public-records/public-meetings exemption needed to implement that compact; both measures were supported as workforce and access-to-care bills and passed without opposition. Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 809, which addresses temporary physician certificates in areas of need and aims to prevent doctors from losing the ability to practice when area designations change. Members asked about licensure pathways and the effect of federal or board designation changes, and supporters framed the bill as protecting continuity of care in underserved communities. The committee also unanimously passed HB 1347 to align clinical laboratory personnel licensing with federal CLIA standards amid staffing shortages, and HB 1515, a public-records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database. Finally, the committee approved HB 169 updating acupuncture statutes, including terminology changes and limits on injection therapy, and HB 1021, Representative Young’s first bill, allowing qualified hospital pharmacists in Level I and II trauma centers to administer emergency medications at a physician’s direction during life-threatening situations. HB 1021 drew the most questions, mainly about scope, definitions, and who could authorize the pharmacist, but after a technical amendment it passed unanimously. All remaining bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• People didn't get paid or people didn't get cared for.
• Both of those things were get cared for.
• </c><00:12:59.760><c> the</c> requirement um directing the requirement um directing the commissioner<
• 13:09.440><c> commissioner</c> subdivision 4 directs the commissioner subdivision 4 directs the commissioner
• As a result, providers must divert already limited direct care dollars to new compliance infrastructure

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, moving to direct care and treatment. There are three proposals that are included.
• They were all the governor's proposals for direct care and treatment, starting on line 571.
• </c> So, moving to direct care and treatment. So, moving to direct care and treatment.
• ><c> care</c><00:14:06.080><c> and</c><00:14:06.200><c> treatment</c> proposals for direct care and treatment
• </c><00:47:26.960><c> care</c><00:47:27.240><c> and</c> Senate File 5029, the direct care and Senate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first one is for the Agency for Health Care Administration.
• That's what this program here does; it covers uncompensated care.
• outpatient services to Medicaid-managed care enrollees.
• If so, does that mean that some of our residents are not accessing the care that they need?
• It is not impacting the care that's delivered to members in those institutions.

Summary: The Legislative Budget Commission met with a quorum present and considered two Agency for Health Care Administration budget amendments related to Medicaid supplemental payments. The first amendment, EOGB 2026-0831, authorized $2.1 billion in budget authority for the Low-Income Pool to support safety-net providers with uncompensated charity care. Members asked about the timing of AHCA’s submission to CMS and whether the program addressed hospital shortfalls for insured patients and CHIP-related concerns. AHCA said approvals have generally been slower under the current federal review process, and the amendment was adopted without objection. The second amendment, EOGB 2026-0875, placed $7.9 billion in reserve for Florida’s Directed Payment Program for Hospitals pending final CMS approval. Senators and representatives questioned the role of hospital attestations regarding hold harmless agreements, whether any agreements had to be unwound, and how long final approval might take. AHCA said all hospitals had submitted attestations, no unwinding was known to be necessary, and approval was expected soon. Members also raised concerns about cancer hospitals, including Moffitt and the University of Miami, not participating in the directed payment program. AHCA responded that those institutions participate instead in a separate Florida Cancer Hospital supplemental payment program, which had already been approved. Both amendments were adopted without objection, and the commission then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:07:48.160><c> care</c> pay for anything except for direct care pay for anything except for direct
• We can call it removing a factor, but the end result is a direct reduction in the daily rate to care
• ,</c><02:03:24.080><c> the</c> direct care and treatment places, the direct care and treatment places
• </c><02:03:39.040><c> that's</c> direct care and treatment because that's direct care and treatment because
• </c><02:21:42.399><c> care</c><02:21:42.560><c> and</c> The direct care and treatment process, how we're

Keywords: 1183, house