Transcript Highlights:

• It helps develop program initiatives or change program initiatives.
• the program.
• nurses.
• But I'm going to tell you that it's an important program and it works.
• This program works, and we need to utilize it.

Committee: All ALC-REVIEW

Summary: The review subcommittee met to consider a supplemental agenda, methods of finance, an alternative delivery project, discretionary grants, and a large slate of construction, out-of-state, and in-state contracts. The supplemental item was a $2.6 million out-of-state contract with Tyler Technologies for a mobile app that would let citizens access state services through a single sign-on, initially for DFA vehicle and licensing services, with possible expansion to other agencies. Members also reviewed five methods of finance, including University of Arkansas projects for roof and cooling tower replacements, a new $100 million academic classroom building at U of A Fayetteville, a police department renovation at UA Fort Smith, and a boiler/chiller replacement at Hope-Texarkana. Questions focused on project timing, why some items were being reviewed after work had begun, and the high estimated cost of the Fayetteville classroom building; DFA explained that projects under $250,000 are not reviewed and that the larger project was still in design and would later seek a guaranteed maximum price. The committee also reviewed two DHS discretionary grants: one for targeted youth advocacy in southwest Arkansas and another adding $582,000 for family-centered treatment training and implementation. In the services contract section, members discussed construction-related contracts, including an ASMSA electrical scope increase tied to three-phase power requirements and the U of A Fayetteville architect contract for the classroom building. Out-of-state contracts included major items such as ACT Education’s $17 million amendment to provide required pre-ACT testing for 9th and 10th graders, a $12.5 million DFA contract for rural health transformation grant management, DHS’s $16.5 million EBT services contract with updated chip-card and fraud-prevention features, and ADH’s special procurement for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The committee also reviewed U of A system consulting contracts for financial advisory and sponsorship strategy work, with university officials saying the outside expertise was needed for specialized planning and revenue-generation efforts. In-state contracts covered corrections reentry services, nursing board investigations, foster care and child welfare services, DHS office janitorial work, emergency management radio system expansion, veterans’ home nursing staffing, and UAMS grants consulting. A lengthy exchange centered on the Department of Corrections’ reentry housing contract, with members pressing officials about vacant beds and urging fuller use of the program, while corrections staff said placements depend on screening and eligibility. Another discussion addressed the balance between out-of-state and in-state contracting, with a member noting the large dollar volume going to out-of-state vendors and asking whether Arkansas vendors receive any preference; State Procurement said current law does not allow an in-state preference. The committee approved the supplemental agenda, the methods of finance, the alternative delivery project, the discretionary grants, and the contract lists, and then received routine reports and an emergency action report before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• In Massachusetts, there are over 167,000 registered nurses, but only 199 hold ostomy nurse certifications
• I was in a nursing home, and my hearing aids that I did finally get were stolen.
• These are all things that the ostomy nurse and the patient decide together.
• of new programs.
• So I tried other programs.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing on a wide range of bills, with testimony first focused on H. 1315/S. 824, which would require insurance coverage for pain management options during IUD insertion. Representative Sabadosa, Planned Parenthood clinicians, and policy advocates said sedation can reduce fear and trauma, improve access to effective contraception, and should be reimbursed so providers can continue offering it. A Tufts OB-GYN resident also testified that pain control should be standard care for intrauterine procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee then heard extensive testimony on firefighter health bills, especially H. 1230/S. 690 requiring insurance coverage for cancer screenings for firefighters. Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts leaders, a Dana-Farber oncologist, and firefighters themselves described occupational exposure to carcinogens and personal stories of late-stage cancer detection, arguing that early screening can save lives and reduce long-term costs. Representative Crichton and Representative Howitt also spoke in support, and Representative Ayers testified for H. 4012, which would require neurological disorder screenings for firefighters. Committee members expressed support and sympathy, but no action was taken. The hearing also covered H. 3946/S. 756 on hearing aid coverage, with testimony from students, adults with hearing loss, disability advocates, and HLAA representatives describing the educational, social, and financial barriers caused by lack of coverage and urging broader insurance mandates. Later, Representative Donahue and Representative Vargas testified for H. 1337 to expand insurance coverage for opioid antagonists and related medications, including naloxone dispensed at discharge. The committee additionally heard testimony on H. 1134 to improve chronic pain care coordination and non-opioid access, and H. 4162 to improve ostomy supply coverage and access to certified ostomy care, with patients and clinicians describing denials, quantity limits, and non-medical switching. The transcript ends while testimony on H. 1315/S. 824 is still ongoing; no votes or formal committee actions are recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• for programs where it's not so much a single-county program, but those programs that cover multiple
• Today, about two-thirds of Florida CACs operate both programs.
• That is my only job as a nurse practitioner thus far.
• Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, I was a registered nurse for nearly eight years at a local children's
• I work closely with two other nurse practitioners on my team.

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The Senate Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs held a panel discussion on Florida’s child protection teams (CPTs), child advocacy centers (CACs), and the related roles of DCF, DOH, and law enforcement. Testimony from DCF, the Department of Health, a local CAC director, the Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, a Pinellas County CPT nurse practitioner, and a Jacksonville sheriff’s sergeant described how the system is intended to work: hotline reports are screened by DCF, mandatory referrals are sent to CPT, forensic interviews and medical exams are coordinated through CPT/CACs, and multidisciplinary teams share findings with law enforcement and prosecutors. Speakers emphasized the value of co-location, telemedicine, multidisciplinary staffings, and trauma-informed practices to reduce repeated interviews and improve child safety and case outcomes. Committee members focused heavily on communication breakdowns, staffing shortages, and delays in response times. Senators raised Jordan’s Law and asked what had been done to improve coordination among DCF, CPT, and law enforcement. Several members questioned whether the promised 24-hour response standard is being met in practice, citing reports of delayed referrals, delayed forensic interviews, and bottlenecks that can affect medical evaluations and criminal investigations. Law enforcement testimony from Jacksonville described cases where CPT interviews were scheduled one to two weeks out and reports were not received for weeks, while DCF acknowledged average CPI caseloads of about 12 investigations and turnover commonly occurring within 12 to 18 months. The panel also discussed access gaps and funding concerns. The Florida Network of CACs said Florida has 26 member centers, with some counties lacking CAC coverage and some centers having closed due to funding challenges. Speakers said CACs are voluntary but critical for integrated services, and that workforce shortages in medical and mental health providers limit expansion. DCF and DOH representatives said they would provide follow-up information on the number of CPT medical staff and other requested data. No bills were voted on; the meeting ended with committee members requesting additional information and recommendations for statutory and budgetary changes, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• process for nursing facilities.
• Madam Chair and members, House Bill 2189 mandates that the State Board of Nursing revise the rules or
• It also defines a licensed medical provider as one of the following: a physician, a nurse practitioner
• It also defines a licensed medical provider as one of the following: a physician, a nurse practitioner
• after the death of the program participant.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of House bills that had returned from the Senate with amendments, with members repeatedly noting that sponsors intended to concur on most items. Topics included public health and vaccination rules (HB 2086, HB 2248), state investment in gold and silver (HB 2140), property records and voter-registration privacy (HB 2327), municipal and county regulation of business property and development fees (HB 2460, HB 2946, HB 2999), legislative subpoenas (HB 2745), cold plunge regulation (HB 2439), nursing-facility complaint timelines and licensed health aide rules (HB 2195, HB 2189), court-ordered treatment review (HB 2923), Access/Medicaid reimbursement and prior authorization for diagnostic services (HB 2932), inmate mental health study committee language (HB 2673), prenatal development instruction in schools (HB 2830), public records requests by legislators (HB 4056), parents’ rights and social transitioning in schools (HB 2249), school district financial compliance and facilities contracting (HB 2481, HB 2482), Native American language proficiency for graduation (HB 2895), advanced math auto-enrollment (HB 2423), special education and military-family procedures (HB 2621), AI rules for state agencies (HB 2592), eviction record sealing (HB 2244), tax filing penalties (HB 2016), shade structures in HOAs (HB 2342), homelessness-related community restitution (HB 2028), medical records timelines (HB 2557), PFAS firefighting foam restrictions (HB 2641), family-court expert testimony and prisoner transition services (HB 2662, HB 2440), address confidentiality protections (HB 2594), guardianship notice attestation (HB 2661), utilities for high-load customers (HB 2756), and nuclear-ready community planning (HB 2456). The committee also briefly moved to Caucus Calendar 19 for additional bills on mobile food vendors, school board training, out-of-state travel and meeting transparency, and a medical-intervention nondiscrimination bill. Several bills drew substantive discussion or criticism. Members debated HB 2932 at length, with staff explaining that Access said the bill would have a high fiscal impact because it would require reimbursement for non-contracted lab services and eliminate prior authorization for a broad range of diagnostic services, potentially increasing costs substantially. HB 2249 also prompted concern from members who argued it could force teachers to out students and create civil liability for using preferred pronouns or failing to notify parents about social transitioning. HB 2830 was criticized as requiring prenatal-development instruction while barring discussion of sexual activity or reproduction. HB 2028, which allows community restitution instead of a $20 probation assessment for people who are indigent and experiencing homelessness, was questioned as potentially punitive. HB 2481 was discussed as a way to help, rather than punish, small rural school districts struggling with financial-record compliance. The caucus also noted that several of the measures were sponsored by Democrats, which was highlighted as notable during the meeting. No formal votes were taken in the transcript. The caucus chair repeatedly asked for questions, and in most cases there were none, after which the sponsor was understood to intend concurrence with the Senate amendments. The meeting ended with adjournment after the caucus moved through the remaining calendar items.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill amends the Education Law to establish the Mental Health Educational Opportunity Program and
• the Mental Health Higher Education Opportunity Program.
• This bill amends the Education Law to authorize direct support staff and non-facility OPWDD programs
• to provide nursing services if ordered by a registered professional nurse.
• to provide nursing services if ordered by a registered professional nurse.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Higher Education Committee met on March 10, 2026, with a quorum present and took up seven bills. The committee advanced S.553, which would require SUNY and CUNY to observe all religious holidays and specifically include Asian Lunar New Year; S.2046, creating Mental Health Educational Opportunity Programs and sending it to the Finance Committee; S.516, establishing a Black History Preservation Commission within SUNY; S.6334, allowing direct support staff in non-facility OPWDD programs to provide nursing services under a registered professional nurse’s order; S.6482, updating geologist licensure requirements; S.6759, authorizing parents or legal guardians to apply topical fluoride varnish to a child’s teeth; and S.6929, requiring dental laboratories to register with the Department of Health. Most bills had no opposition or only a support memo, including support from CUNY for S.553 and from the New York State Council of Professional Geologists for S.6482. Members generally moved the bills forward without substantive debate, though several were reported “without recommendation.” S.2046 was the only measure explicitly referred onward to the Finance Committee. During consideration of S.6929, Senator May asked whether the registration requirement would affect a dental office using its own 3D printer to make dental items; staff said they would check and follow up. The committee completed its work and adjourned at 11:12 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 548, FN, specifically also removes a moratorium on nursing home beds, skilled nursing beds
• </c> to nursing homes or or skilled nursing to nursing homes or or skilled nursing facilities.<00:22:
• /c><00:37:12.560><c> a</c><00:37:13.200><c> medically</c> program, we can cover a medically program,
• program? program?
• </c> that this was a safe stations program. that this was a safe stations program.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Division 3 work session focused largely on amendment 1176 to HB 2, which would have incorporated the substance of HB 548FN, a House-passed bill creating a direct-pay or membership-based model for health care facilities. Representative Mlan described the proposal as a way to increase competition in health care by extending the direct-care model used in primary care to facilities, arguing it could encourage innovation and that concerns about widespread harm to critical access hospitals were overstated. He pointed to Oklahoma’s long-standing Surgical Center model as evidence that the approach had not spread broadly or displaced hospitals there. Several members and witnesses raised concerns. Representative Stringham questioned whether the model would shift profitable services and patients away from existing hospitals, potentially worsening their finances and affecting Medicaid-related funding. David Ross, speaking for county nursing homes, opposed the language because it also removed moratoriums on nursing home, skilled nursing, inpatient rehabilitation, and self-pay beds, warning that it could increase pressure on Medicaid rates and undermine community-based care. Ben Bradley of the New Hampshire Hospital Association said the proposal appeared to create a separate regulatory framework for direct-pay facilities and raised concerns about patient safety, CMS participation rules, and a separate patient bill of rights. The chair concluded that, because HB 548 was already moving through the Senate, the HB 2 process was not the best vehicle for the policy and that the issue should be left to the Senate’s more deliberative committee process. Representative Ferski moved to not accept or remove amendment 1176 from the agenda, and the committee approved the motion by roll call, 9-0, withdrawing the item from HB 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• to nursing assistants.
• The next bill is Substitute House Bill 2339 concerning the regulation of nursing.
• We have House Bill 2340 before us, applying substance use disorder monitoring program provisions to nursing
• We have Substitute House Bill 2339 concerning the regulation of nursing before us.
• We have Substitute House Bill 2339 concerning the regulation of nursing before us.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held its final regularly scheduled meeting of the 2026 session and moved into executive session to consider 11 bills. The bills covered a range of health care and licensing topics, including the dietician licensure compact (SHB 2088), ambulance transport staffing for inter-facility specialty care (E2SHB 2110), substance use disorder monitoring for nursing assistants (HB 2340), hospital inspections (SHB 2577), temporary licensure exemptions for music therapy applicants (SHB 2363), nursing regulation (SHB 2339), EMT recertification (HB 2540), supervision of radiologic and MRI technologists (HB 2113), continuing care retirement community oversight (2SHB 2384), and veterinarian-client-patient relationships (ESHB 2247). The committee also considered ESHB 1187, which protects patients involved in motor vehicle accidents from delayed ambulance bills, though it was not part of the initial briefing list read aloud in full. Several bills had amendments adopted. On E2SHB 2110, the committee adopted Senator Harris’s amendment changing hospital coordination with ambulance providers from a recommendation to a requirement. SHB 1187 received a striking amendment, and 2SHB 2384 and ESHB 2247 also had striking amendments adopted; the veterinary bill’s amendment clarified that the commercial breeding provisions apply to livestock, added a definition of livestock, and tightened prescription drug language. The committee also discussed the 2SHB 2384 amendment as making technical corrections and clarifying life care contract language. After each bill was moved, the committee voted to give it a do pass recommendation and send it to the Rules Committee. All bills considered in executive session passed the committee, subject to signatures. The chair then thanked staff and members for their work during the session, noted the committee would turn to interim work in a few weeks, and moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• My wife is a nurse and is going to school to become a nurse.
• I am a nurse practitioner here to help with the shortage.
• They travel, kind of, like we've heard of traveling nurses.
• Those programs get people here. We need to explore those more.
• That's the nursing compact.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• potential impacts to our health care system here in the state, particularly impacts to our Medicaid programs
• Most of those are in primary care, geriatrics, and nursing home settings.
• or meets the requirements of a residency program.
• , which we found was a necessary step in putting forth an IMG-dedicated residency program.
• Chair Cleveland and members of the committee, I'm Beth Tinker, clinical nurse specialist.

Summary: The committee first received an update on the effects of HR1 and related federal Medicaid and marketplace changes from Governor’s Office and Health Care Authority staff. Presenters said the most immediate coverage losses are expected in the individual market beginning in January, with premium increases and an estimated 80,000 people potentially unable to afford coverage. They warned that larger Medicaid impacts will follow over the next year and beyond, including tighter eligibility checks, work requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, limits on state-directed payments and provider taxes, new cost-sharing, and changes affecting certain non-citizen adults. They also said the state plans to seek a waiver or extension for work requirements and will continue to analyze impacts, including on rural providers and Planned Parenthood-related services. Members asked about the effect on nursing homes, rural hospitals, and how the state can help providers and enrollees navigate the new requirements; staff said timelines and a state-specific implementation chart are being developed. The committee then heard a report on the International Medical Graduate Work Group and Washington’s efforts to create pathways for internationally trained physicians. Testimony described the clinical experience license, the clinical evaluation assessment tool, grant funding for IMG support organizations, and a new hardship waiver process enacted this year. National presenters said many states have adopted similar pathways because of physician shortages, but Washington and Tennessee are among the few states that have actually issued licenses so far. They recommended clear guardrails, an employment offer before application, ECFMG certification, supervised practice, and data collection to avoid exploitation and protect patients. Members asked about state-to-state variation, retention of IMGs, and whether Washington should pursue dedicated residency or preceptorship options; presenters said the key next step is moving successful participants from supervised experience to a durable long-term license. The final topic was implementation of Washington’s Apple Health doula benefit and the statewide doula hub and referral system. Senator T’wina Nobles highlighted the state’s $3,500 per-birth Medicaid reimbursement rate for doulas and the importance of the hub for referrals, training, and billing. Health Care Authority staff said the benefit launched January 1, 2025, and covers prenatal intake, labor and delivery, postpartum visits, and telehealth-supported services. They reported 336 state-certified doulas, 134 enrolled in Apple Health, 287 unique clients served, and 641 claims paid so far. Testimony emphasized doulas’ role in improving birth outcomes, reducing unnecessary interventions, and addressing racial disparities in maternal health, while noting that implementation is still early and ongoing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This funding allowed us to offer critical programs, including our car seat program, which ensured every
• </c> continues in our life coaching program continues in our life coaching program baby<00:35:28.800>
• she told me several times that program she told me several times that our<00:35:45.800><c> programs<
• They went to the Jeremiah program from us. We were directly affiliated with many other programs.
• Corp women nurses Corp women nurses teachers<00:39:42.800><c> social</c><00:39:43.280><c> workers</c>

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a certified EMT in addition to being a registered nurse.
• And it was appalling to me when it was brought to our attention, In addition to being a registered nurse
• What this bill does is mandate equal reimbursements for anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists, and
• Nurse anesthetists are a common component of the anesthetic treatment.
• And so when you have nurses as the only people in some of our rural communities, we have to pay them.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but he had some very serious cuts to nursing homes, some very serious cuts to programming that would
• Um, but he had some very serious cuts to nursing homes, some very serious cuts to programming that would
• It focuses on program integrity and efficiency.
• Um, but he had some very serious cuts to nursing homes, some very serious cuts to programming that would
• </c><00:13:01.519><c> over</c> on on our on the on the programs over on on our on the on the programs

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The largest increase in spending was for student support staff at 10%, followed by nurses at 8%.
• Spending from foundation funding was lowest on student support staff at 28% and nurses at 44%.
• And then there's a breakdown for each nurse. The matrix is funded based on 500 students.
• information about that program in the accountability report.
• So there is a facilities partnership program.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, please recognize Representative Tedford to present the nurse of the day.
• Members, it's my honor to introduce to you today Amanda Fisher, the nurse of the day.
• First of all, we have a bunch of nursing students and their faculty in the House today.
• First of all, we have a bunch of nursing students and their faculty in the House today.
• Members, today we have the criminal justice program from Kymus Career Tech and McAlister here.

Bills: HB3281 , HB3320 , HB3081 , HB3127 , HB3128 , HB3498 , HB2035 , HB3765 , HB4324 , HB3678 , HB4170 , HB3495 , HB3040 , HB3062 , HB4140 , HB4106 , HB4109 , HB4104 , HB3581 , HB3620 , HB3942 , HB3279 , HB3378 , HB3383 , HB3413 , HB3414 , HB3415 , HB3420 , HB3130 , HB3700 , HB3379 , HB3129 , HB3132 , HB3315 , HB2950 , HB3242 , HB3041 , HB4428 , HB4429 , HB1064 , HB3265 , HB3721 , HB3028 , HB3313 , HB3588 , HB3020 , HB3724 , HB3392 , HB3466 , HB4060 , HJR1074 , HB3501 , HJR1070 , HB3794 , HB3796 , HB3928 , HB2955 , HB4453 , HB4460 , HB4128 , HB3659 , HB3270 , HB3145

Keywords: administrative procedures, guidance documents, transparency, public inspection, rulemaking, sunset laws, statutory entities, regulatory compliance, emergency provisions, board re-creation, fire extinguisher, licensing, public safety, age qualification, State Fire Marshal, medical marijuana, employment rights, safety-sensitive positions, workplace policies, public assistance

Summary: The House convened with a roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then followed its regular order of business. The chamber also completed administrative items including correction/reassignment of measures and introductions of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Lee Sheffler, and Nurse of the Day, Amanda Fisher. A special recognition was held for the 2025 Mustang Bronco 6A fast-pitch softball state champions, who were introduced in the chamber and gallery. Several members made announcements about committee and caucus meetings, including the Women’s Caucus, Native American Caucus, Rural Caucus, insurance committee, judicial criminal committee, public health, banking, business committee, and a devotional gathering. Members also welcomed nursing students and faculty, and a criminal justice program from Kiamichi Career Tech and McAlester. No legislation was debated or voted on in the transcript. At the end of the session, the floor leader moved to adjourn once the clerk’s desk was clear, and the House agreed without objection. The chamber adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• and uh and other nutrition programs and the like.
• It's basically slowing the growth of the program.
• About the same amount of nurses in the programming and that the job losses will be greater than the,
• We don't have enough doctors and nurses already. Uh.
• That could be like a nutrition program like SNAP or school, school meals, could be a mandatory program

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been having some things with transportation, and it was a pilot program.
• I move to adopt the National Guard Challenge program. I see no questions.
• home early voting program.
• Early voting commissioners would assist with the nursing home early voting program.
• It's a local assistance program for homeowners who have flood damage in Cameron Parish.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have in our in the nursing field.
• programs.
• a multi-year grant program.
• They need a multi-year program doing it through the center for nursing. We will be able to do that.
• East Grant program.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, the geographic adequacy threshold for nursing homes should not be broader than a managed
• The Health Care Authority must obtain feedback from stakeholders such as hospitals, nursing homes, and
• managed care organizations when developing the network adequacy standard. hospitals, nursing homes,
• I'm the vice president of case management and chief nursing executive for ambulatory nursing for the
• It also does not require new state funding or programs for implementation.

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, what happens then is that they get into a rehabilitation program, and that's where we
• I have the privilege of serving as program director with NeuroRestorative.
• Our program provides a structured, supportive environment where individuals...
• She eventually found her way to our program and advocated to receive the care that she needed.
• I run the Rare Cancer Program for LCMC Health, and I'm employed by LSU.

Committee: House Insurance

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on May 19 and first took up Senate Bill 509 on bank-owned life insurance. The bill would clarify that banks retain an insurable interest in former employees for purposes of exchanging underperforming bank-owned life insurance policies for better-performing ones. Members adopted a revised amendment set after withdrawing a prior version. Testimony focused heavily on whether consent from the insured former employee is required for any transfer or exchange, with supporters saying the bill is needed to address underperforming policies and opponents warning about unclear consent standards, data-transfer concerns, litigation risk, and possible federal tax issues. After debate, the committee reported SB 509 as amended by a 7-4 vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 295, which requires health insurance coverage for medically necessary treatment for persons with acquired brain injuries, including cognitive rehabilitation and related services. Supporters from the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana and NeuroRestorative described gaps in post-acute care, high rates of discharge to unsafe home settings or nursing homes, and improved return-to-work outcomes when patients receive appropriate rehabilitation. An amendment was adopted to clarify federal essential health benefit limits and remove certain language, reducing the fiscal note to zero. The bill was then reported as amended without objection. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 155, which requires coverage for medically necessary dental procedures needed for cancer treatment clearance, such as exams, imaging, and extractions. Cancer advocates, oncologists, and dental representatives said untreated dental problems can delay chemotherapy or radiation and lead to worse outcomes and higher costs. Cleanup amendments were adopted, and the bill was reported as amended. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 465, which tightens prompt-payment deadlines for health insurers, adds pharmacy payment provisions, and creates a recoupment timeline for dental claims; after technical and substantive amendments, it was reported as amended. Finally, the committee approved Senate Bill 276, creating a pre-appointment affidavit process for bail bond producers to ensure prior premiums, shortages, and forfeitures are resolved before a new insurer appointment, and House Resolution 260, which urges the Department of Insurance to study how out-of-network medical billing affects auto insurance rates. Both measures were reported favorably or as amended, and the committee adjourned after a motion to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires certified nursing assistant serving in a nursing home to receive training on recognizing
• So the seeing as in the nursing homes that you need to the nursing homes, not the ALS, because again,
• It establishes a grant program for the Critical Infrastructure Mapping Grant program.
• Receive reimbursement for the program under the private Duty nursing Service category.
• program that is more consistent with the need to the program with the needs of the child.

Keywords: 999, senate, all