Video & Transcript Research : 'eye exams'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- exam.
- Any child that doesn't connect to an exam with their family, the Alconn Foundation provides the exam
- I am thankful that his brain still recognizes input from both of his eyes.
- One resource that I often use, VSP Eyes of Hope, is currently on hold.
- exams and, and have the ability to get, uh, eyewear.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- exam.
- Any child that doesn't connect to an exam with their family, the Alcon Foundation provides the exam and
- Checking for depth perception, can your eyes work?
- I am thankful that his brain still recognizes input from both of his eyes.
- exams and have the ability to get eyewear.
Bills:
HB 1178, HB1411, HB1441, HB1773, HB1813, HB2107, HB2598, HB2911, HB2967, HB3672, HB5263, HB3797
Keywords:
education, temporary certification, out-of-state educators, teacher shortage, military spouses, personal leave, school holidays, employee compensation, overtime provisions, school safety, peace officers, mental health, de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, student trustee, school board, student representation, education policy, nonvoting position, school governance
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration Work Session on HB 145, HB 271 (02/06/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> exam we even know that with the LSW exam exam we even know that with the LSW exam there<00:07:58.199
- the exam.
- exams.
- have to be an exam.
- </c> an exam and not name the specific exam an exam and not name the specific exam and<00:31:19.080><
Summary:
The subcommittee hearing focused on House Bill 271, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). The chair and several members expressed reservations about repealing a requirement that was only created in 2021, arguing that licensure should include some measurable demonstration of competency and that it is too early to judge whether the current standard is working. Members also raised concerns about the social work compact and the lack of uniformity across states, saying that changing the requirement now could undermine the standards New Hampshire agreed to at the outset.
Testimony in support of the bill argued that the LSWA exam is a barrier for applicants because the level is intended for people without formal social work education, and the exam is the same national exam used for licensed social workers. The witness said there is only one LSWA in New Hampshire, so there is little pass/fail data, but noted that the Association of Social Worker Boards reported 78% of its membership favored retaining the exam. Supporters also emphasized that LSWA holders complete 30 hours of training and extensive supervised hours, and that they are not intended to work independently. Opponents or skeptics questioned whether the exam is the right measure for this role and asked for data showing actual failures or barriers.
The discussion turned to possible alternatives, including a different exam, a practical skills assessment, or broader rulemaking authority for the board to set LSWA criteria. One suggestion was to amend the law to give the board authority to develop appropriate standards in rulemaking, rather than naming a specific exam in statute. Members also discussed whether the board could create a more suitable assessment and noted that the current law requires a national proctored examination approved by the board, but there is no national exam specifically for LSWA. No final vote or action was taken in the excerpt, and the subcommittee indicated it would gather more information, including the existing rule language, before moving the bill forward.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Emergency rooms are required to offer the nursing kit, or the exam.
- I would stretch your eyes out by rural hospitals.
- Some of them are not qualified to do the sexual exam.
- To do the exams, it's also very expensive, you know, to pay people to be on call to do these exams.
- Who does the sexual assault exams in their parish?
Bills:
HB62, HB124, HB182, HB193, HB198, HB203, HB223, HB237, HB469, HB486, HB574, HB779, HB796, HB919, SCR2, SB4, SB36, SB38, SB109, SB152, SB168, SB195, SB216, SB221, SB236, SB404
Keywords:
Louisiana Women's Policy, gender equality, policy research, commission membership, women's representation, Domestic Violence, judicial experience, legislation, criminal law, family law, HB182, sexual assault, rape kit, forensic examination, forensic medical exam, sexual assault survivor, sexual assault nurse examiner, SANE, emergency department, hospital staffing
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- In Gloucester, Mass., I performed DOT medical exams.
- Do you—so you do eye exams, hearing exams, blood pressure, dementia, all of that?
- Do you, um, so you do eye exams, hearing exams, blood pressure, dementia, all of that?
- We have eye charts. We do all of that during that exam. We have eye charts.
- We do all of that during that exam.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 36 bills covering aviation, commercial vehicles, school buses, veterans license plates, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate Chair Brendan Crighton outlined the hearing procedures, then the committee heard testimony on a range of measures, including a bill to modernize alternative student transportation for vulnerable students such as those covered by McKinney-Vento, foster children, and students with disabilities; a bill on unmanned aerial systems that would define drones and restrict weaponization, interference with aircraft, and certain surveillance; and a bill addressing airplane noise and reporting at Beverly Regional Airport. Supporters of the student transportation bill argued it would update outdated school bus requirements while preserving safety standards, while drone-related testimony was split between sponsors and public safety advocates who supported stronger restrictions and industry representatives who warned the bills could conflict with federal law and harm legitimate commercial uses.
The committee also heard testimony on workforce and school transportation bills. Representatives and industry witnesses supported a proposal to create a grant program and career outreach for the trucking industry, citing a persistent driver shortage and the importance of trucking to the state’s economy. Teamsters Local 170 supported a bill to ease unemployment job-search requirements for school bus drivers and monitors who are expected to return to work within a short period, saying the current rules create unnecessary burdens during summer layoffs. Another school transportation bill would create an under-the-hood exception for CDL licensing of school bus drivers; several chiropractors testified in support, saying they already perform DOT-style exams and should be explicitly authorized to do school bus driver medical certifications.
Veterans-related testimony focused on license plate and disability-definition bills. Advocates supported a Medal of Fidelity license plate for Gold Star families and a separate bill to create an air medal plate. The Office of the Veteran Advocate testified in favor of revising the state’s definition of disabled veteran for RMV purposes, arguing the current language is tied to special monthly compensation categories and does not adequately reflect modern service-connected disabilities, including invisible wounds. The American Legion also urged clarification of the definition, while opposing a separate women veterans plate on the grounds that it could divide veterans unnecessarily. The committee took no votes during the hearing and ended with a motion to adjourn.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment would also expand the current requirements for eye exams to students in both public and
- private schools and expand the required child eye care exams from children entering kindergarten to
- Without an eye exam, a child is more likely to end up in special education that costs the cities and
- Those children, lives literally would change as a result of just having a simple eye exam.
- Lives literally would change as a result of just having a simple eye exam.
Summary:
The Senate first handled a House petition from John H. Rawlers and others seeking eminent domain authority for a parcel in Norwood; Joint Rule 12 was suspended and the matter was referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The chamber then resumed debate on the literacy bill, with Senator Tarr offering a series of amendments focused on school district funding, teacher competency, reporting, waivers, and curriculum implementation. Most of Tarr’s amendments were rejected, but one requiring written, appealable denials of district waivers was adopted by roll call, and another amendment on reporting from the Early Literacy Fund, including provisions for English language learners and special education educators, was also adopted. A separate amendment extending the timeline for DESE to publish high-quality curricula was adopted, while several other amendments were withdrawn or defeated.
The Senate also considered and adopted an amendment from Senator Comerford addressing rural and regional equity in education funding. That amendment expanded eligible uses of the Early Literacy Fund to include screening assessments, required DESE to prioritize geographic and funding equity, mandated a public hearing in Western Massachusetts before final grant criteria were finalized, and directed technical assistance to rural districts. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, emphasizing chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, minimum-aid pressures, and the need for a broader review of the Chapter 70 formula and a Foundation Budget Review Commission. The amendment passed unanimously.
Later, the Senate took up an amendment from Senator Moore on children’s vision care, which would have created a registry for vision screening and expanded eye exam requirements, but it was withdrawn after supportive debate. The chamber then adopted the Ways and Means redraft, ordered the bill to third reading, and passed An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call. Final passage was also achieved for a separate House land-taking bill allowing the town of Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, which passed by the required two-thirds vote and was enacted. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday and adjourned in memory of Donna Goldstein.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, I feel strongly that allowing video physical exams to replace a true in-person hands-on exam
- performing a true hands-on physical exam.
- , we use our eyes, our ears, our nose, and our hands.
- The art of the physical exam should never be a lost art.
- The art of the physical exam should never be a lost art.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, with the longest discussion focused on House Bill 426 and Senate Bill 263, which would prohibit the sale in Massachusetts of cosmetics known to rely on vertebrate animal testing. Supporters from Animal Defenders International, Humane World for Animals, and the Animal Rescue League said animal testing is cruel, outdated, and unreliable, and pointed to non-animal alternatives and similar laws in other states and countries. No opposition was heard on that bill during the excerpt, and witnesses urged the committee to report it favorably.
The committee also took testimony on House Bill 4543, which would clarify an existing pipe-fitting exemption for certain work performed on property owned by industrial plants, utilities, colleges, and similar institutions. A representative for Construction Industries of Massachusetts supported the bill, saying it would preserve longstanding practice for outside contractors doing yard piping work. Pipefitters Local 537 opposed it, arguing the work is properly licensed pipefitting and that the bill would weaken licensing standards and undermine state inspectors.
Another major topic was Senate Bill 237 on regulating self-checkouts in grocery establishments. The Mass AFL-CIO and UFCW Local 1445 supported the bill, saying self-checkout has reduced staffing, increased worker stress and customer conflict, and contributed to theft and safety problems. Workers described being responsible for multiple machines at once, verbal abuse, and even assaults, and said the bill’s staffing and machine limits would improve safety and customer service. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House Bill 355, which would allow veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship via telehealth; ASPCA, MSPCA, and several veterinarians supported it as a way to expand access to care, while the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians opposed it, arguing that an in-person exam is essential for proper diagnosis and that telemedicine should only follow an in-person VCPR.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on House Bill 330, Senate Bill 221, and House Bill 371, which would preempt local boards of health from adopting tobacco-related age or sales restrictions beyond the statewide standard. Public health advocates opposed the bills, arguing they would block local innovation and undermine nicotine-free generation policies adopted by municipalities, while retailers and tobacco trade groups supported them as necessary to preserve a uniform statewide age-21 standard and avoid confusion for consumers and businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the excerpt.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, so it's two to three exams, and within that exams might have two...
- exam so like uh exam excuse me how Rous exam so like uh director<01:27:38.199><c> said</c><01:27:38.480
- that</c> it's two to three exams and within that it's two to three exams and within that exams<01:28:
- They also have to take the exams.
- They also have to take the exams.
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.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Funding (11/10/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- You have the right to have me look you in the eye and say you did something wrong to me, and to say,
- I ought to be able to sit there and look you in the eye and say you did something wrong.
- <c> is</c> services exam, civics exam, there is services exam, civics exam, there is also<01:38:47.199
- </c><01:45:01.199><c> Of</c><01:45:01.360><c> course,</c><01:45:01.520><c> it</c> or the exam.
- Of course, it or the exam. I don't know.
Summary:
The subcommittee met on HB 510 and HB 112, but the discussion focused almost entirely on HB 510, which would establish due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty members in disciplinary proceedings at state institutions of higher education. The chair reviewed proposed amendments already approved or being considered, including revised definitions, confidentiality language for grievance information, removal of the adverse-inference language tied to self-incrimination, changes to cross-examination procedures, and narrowing an emergency exception by removing property damage and focusing on immediate threats to physical health or safety. The committee also discussed whether the hearing officer should have discretion to require a third party to conduct cross-examination, with the sponsor saying the word should remain “may” so the officer can respond to the circumstances of each case.
Members opposed to the bill argued that existing campus procedures already provide adequate due process and that the proposal is unnecessary, potentially intimidating to complainants, and disruptive to university policies and collective bargaining agreements. They objected especially to language allowing the accused to be present during cross-examination of an accuser and to the use of the term “victim” before facts are established. Supporters said the bill is intended to ensure basic fairness for accused students and faculty, that the language was revised to address concerns, and that the rights listed are appropriate because serious allegations can have lasting consequences even outside the criminal context. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the committee remained in discussion/caucus over the bill language.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
JLCAR Administrative Rules (07/16/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> our eyes and cross all our tees on that. our eyes and cross all our tees on that.
- The eyes haven't. 241 >> All oppose, nay. The eyes haven't. 241 is<00:42:32.319><c> adopted.
- </c> exam that we have to get a waiver for. exam that we have to get a waiver for.
- ><c> no</c><01:37:43.040><c> technical</c> prudence exam has no technical prudence exam has no technical
- </c> other juristprudence exams that exist. other juristprudence exams that exist.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes and consent calendar, then took up several rule items. For Department of Safety rule 2611, DMV leadership explained the rule had been under development since January but needed to be updated to reflect a new statutory change and to align the rule with RSA 266. Members discussed narrowing the rule to road-safety items rather than automobile inspection provisions, and the department said it would issue a new public notice and hold another hearing. The committee voted to grant a waiver and postpone the item until the October 15, 2026 meeting.
The Board of Active Puncture Licensing item 26-47 was postponed one month at the agency’s request so it could incorporate OS feedback, with no waiver needed. The Insurance Department’s claim settlement rule 25-234 and related item 26-78 drew more extensive discussion over waiver language. Committee members objected that the proposed language gave the commissioner broad discretion to set waiver periods without clear criteria, while agency counsel argued the rule already contained standards and that the language allowed temporary waivers. After discussion about consistency, permanency, and the need for clearer documentation, the committee voted to postpone 25-234 with a waiver and to postpone 26-78.
Finally, the committee considered Health and Human Services rule 2690, which sets SNAP certification periods for a pilot demonstration authorized by SB 499. Staff explained that federal changes now require the age threshold for the 36-month certification period to be 65 instead of 60, and that the agency had been directed to make the change by August 12. Agency staff said the rule needed to be updated to match federal direction, and members generally agreed. The committee discussed whether the federal citation was sufficient and whether the rule should reference the law change directly, but no final objection was raised in the portion shown.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 28th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- So forensic exams, these forensic medical exams, gather and preserve evidence.
- that currently is used for sexual assault forensic exams.
- The forensic exam documents all the medical injuries that can't be seen by the naked eye.
- , because it's not defined in law as a forensic exam.
- We are only doing forensic exams for those that experienced it in a reasonable period of time. ...exams
Summary:
The committee first deferred HB 374 without objection. It then heard SB 46, which creates the crime of unlawful operation of a group home aimed at protecting vulnerable adults living in unsafe, unlicensed residences where operators control residents’ assets. The Attorney General’s office described severe neglect and exploitation in some homes, while the Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center opposed the bill over concerns it could create confusion, criminalize legitimate recovery or disability housing, and chill protected housing arrangements. After discussion, including assurances that the bill was narrowly targeted at bad actors, the committee reported SB 46 favorably.
The committee next took up HB 276, which sets a statewide minimum bail amount for certain sexual offenses against minors. Testimony from a victim’s mother and an anti-trafficking expert supported the bill as a way to keep dangerous offenders detained and protect children, while members debated whether the original $50,000 minimum was too low and could be treated as a benchmark. The committee amended the bill in committee to raise the minimum to $1 million and to add human trafficking involving a victim under 18 to the covered offenses, then reported HB 276 favorably as amended.
Members then heard SB 42 and SB 110, both addressing AI-generated child sexual abuse material. SB 42 expands the definition of child sexual abuse material to include digital and AI-generated depictions, while SB 110 prohibits using a child’s image to train AI to produce such material. The Attorney General’s office and survivor advocates supported the measures as necessary updates to keep pace with technology and protect children; the committee reported both bills favorably. HB 998, dealing with forensic medical exams and reimbursement for domestic violence victims, especially strangulation cases, was also heard and amended to remove human trafficking references and set implementation steps; advocates said the bill would improve evidence collection and reimbursement, and it was reported favorably with amendments. Finally, the committee heard SB 51 on fraudulent representation of military service or awards, which was supported as a tool to address stolen valor and was reported favorably, and HB 323 on notification and reporting of inmate deaths, which was presented as a transparency measure after a family testified about learning of a relative’s death from the news rather than the facility.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Health Services (7-30-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Why are you so exam. Okay.
- It allows scalpels to eyes.
- </c><02:20:22.399><c> I</c> the exam. Um it's incredibly relevant. I the exam.
- </c> taking the exam. taking the exam.
- </c> >> exams are equivalent. Thank you. >> exams are equivalent. Thank you.
Keywords:
00:00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call
00:02:17 - Approval of June 18, 2025 Minutes
00:02:33 - Introductions and Discussion on Priorities
00:07:27 - Health Data Discussion-KY Health Information Exchange (KHIE)
00:34:02 - Health Data Discussion-Public Health Data
01:19:24 - Health Data Discussion-Other Health Data Platforms
01:42:40 - Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations (Except 201 KAR 005:010)
01:44:48 - Discussion of Optometry Regulation 201 KAR 005:010
02:25:29 - Hearing on Unified Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Application for FFY 2026 - 2027 Funds
02:33:40 - Administrative Regulation 201 KAR 005:010 Vote Clarification
02:34:03 - Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on Health Services met to approve the June 18 minutes and hear introductory remarks from new Cabinet Secretary for Health and Family Services Dr. Steven Stack and new Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. John Langfeld. Both described their backgrounds and emphasized a shared focus on using health data to improve quality, coordination, and outcomes across Kentucky. They highlighted the Kentucky Health Information Exchange (KHI) as a central tool for connecting hospitals, labs, providers, public health systems, Medicaid, and other state and federal data sources, and said the system supports notifications, immunization records, surveillance, and care coordination. They also outlined priorities such as continued investment in KHI, stronger interoperability, privacy protections, and expanded analytic capacity to turn data into action.
Committee members then asked about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and informed consent, particularly for pregnant women and children. Dr. Stack said informed consent should come through a licensed health care provider, that Kentucky did not mandate the COVID vaccine, and that the evidence still supports vaccination for high-risk groups, including pregnant women, citing professional medical guidance. A follow-up exchange focused on concerns about past vaccine policies and the need for patients to receive full information before making decisions.
Senator Heron asked how KIPRC/KIPR could be used to address firearm injuries. Dr. Langfeld said the key opportunity is to make data more real-time and usable for day-to-day response, while Dr. Stack said the department would continue its long-standing partnership with KIPRC and noted his view that gun violence is a public health emergency. He added, however, that because firearms are a deeply divided issue, the Department for Public Health’s current role is mainly to make data available for authorized research rather than to take a broader policy role. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- So, today you have a four-year degree, a master's, then you can sit for the exam.
- exam, then two years of experience with the firm, you also will have your certificate.
- We're encouraged because the knowledge is fresher to sit for the exam then.
- ,</c><00:05:55.520><c> I</c> exam then.
- So most taking the exam, I exam then.
Keywords:
public accountancy, CPA licensing, board regulations, educational prerequisites, electronic notifications, firm registration, assignment, creditors, insolvency, liquidation, assignee, secured transaction, bankruptcy, state law, voluntary process, distribution of assets, emergency rules, governor certification, state regulations, public safety
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Feb 20th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health & Long-Term Care
Transcript Highlights:
- As we know, there are some exam processing timeline backlogs that happen with these licensure exams.
- followed by a six-month clinical internship, after which people are eligible to take the national exam
- And many graduates require four to six months due to the exam timing and processing delays.
- So just an extra pair of eyes. But. So just an extra pair of eyes.
- We don't always see eye to eye. You guys know that.
Keywords:
emergency medical services, EMT recertification, healthcare, first responders, public health, radiologic technologists, diagnostic imaging, healthcare regulation, professional supervision, state licensing, 904, all
Summary:
The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held public hearings on several House bills and took executive action on three measures. The committee heard Substitute House Bill 2577 on hospital inspections, which would require the Department of Health to inspect hospitals at least every 18 months rather than on average, allow limited pauses during emergencies, and clarify when CMS or accrediting-body surveys may substitute for state inspections. Representative Nicole Macri and DOH testified in support, citing a JLARC audit and the need to reduce late inspections; testimony sign-in was heavily opposed, but no vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee also heard Second Substitute House Bill 2384 on continuing care retirement communities, which would require actuarial analysis review by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner for certain life care contracts. The sponsor and supporters said it would improve transparency and protect residents’ life savings, while LeadingAge Washington opposed the added cost and fees; testimony was mixed, with many sign-ins in support. House Bill 2113 on radiologic technologist supervision was heard as well, with supporters saying it would codify existing practice by allowing virtual direct supervision for IV contrast procedures and preserve access in rural hospitals; the bill drew strong support and no opposition in testimony. The committee also heard Substitute House Bill 2363 on music therapy licensure, which would allow recent applicants to practice under supervision for up to six months while exam results are pending; proponents described it as a workforce fix, and testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. House Bill 2339 on nursing regulation was heard, with the Board of Nursing and ARNP groups backing technical changes to titles, transcripts, interim permits, and CRNA prescriptive authority. House Bill 2540 on EMT recertification was heard last, with firefighters supporting a longer recertification interval for experienced EMTs to reduce administrative burden while keeping training requirements unchanged.
The committee also heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1187 on delaying ambulance debt collection after motor vehicle accidents; the hearing was closed after staff noted there were no testifiers, with sign-in showing five pro and six con. In executive session, the committee advanced Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2242, Substitute House Bill 2152, and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2168. HB 2242 and HB 2152 were sent to the Rules Committee with do-pass recommendations, and HB 2168 was sent to Ways and Means with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then returned to public hearing testimony on the remaining bills and adjourned after closing the hearing on HB 2540.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health - Room 216, 27 January, 2026; 3:00 PM
Public Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The eyes appear say I. All oppose? No.
- The eyes have it. Uh Senator to have it. The eyes have it.
- The eyes appear to >> I. All opposed? No. The eyes appear to have<00:15:22.720><c> it.
- The eyes have it. I would like have it. The eyes have it.
- </c> and a paper copy to take an exam and a paper copy to take an exam apparently<00:42:36.160><c> or
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 23rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- I feel strongly that allowing video physical exams to replace a true in-person hands-on exam is dangerous
- I feel strongly that allowing video physical exams to replace a true in-person hands-on exam is dangerous
- During a physical exam, we veterinarians assess a tremendous amount of detail in In a physical exam,
- The art of the physical exam should never be a lost art.
- And once a year to have a good, thorough physical exam.
Keywords:
animal telehealth, veterinary telemedicine, veterinary telehealth, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, pet care, companion animal, livestock, remote veterinary care, synchronous audio-video, telemedicine, prescription drugs, antimicrobial drugs, controlled substances, xylazine, compounding pharmacy, veterinary practice, Massachusetts Controlled Substances Act, animal owner
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on late-filed bills, with testimony heard both in person and remotely. The committee reviewed several measures, including H. 355 and S. 3082 on veterinary telemedicine/telehealth, H. 5445 on additional liquor licenses for East Hampton, and S. 3090/H. 5114 on consumer-connected devices and software support disclosure. The chair outlined hearing logistics, including three-minute testimony limits and written testimony submission, and noted that Lawrence High School students were present to observe.
On the veterinary bills, supporters of H. 355 argued that allowing veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship remotely would improve access to care for pets whose owners face transportation, mobility, or anxiety-related barriers, and could help veterinarians continue practicing through telemedicine. Opponents of S. 3082, including the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians, said the initial in-person exam is essential to detect conditions that cannot be seen on video, avoid misdiagnosis, and preserve the standard of care; they emphasized that teletriage and follow-up telemedicine are already used after an in-person relationship is established. Committee members pressed both sides on the distinction between teletriage and establishing the relationship, the timing of annual exams, and whether limited exceptions for sedatives or other pre-visit needs might be workable. Senator Lovely testified in support, citing a recent Lyme case where follow-up telemedicine would have been useful.
On H. 5445, Representative Gomez and East Hampton Mayor Salem Derby urged approval of the bill to authorize eight additional liquor licenses, saying the city has reached its current cap, needs economic development, and wants to support downtown revitalization and new restaurant growth. Members asked about public safety and the number of licenses sought; the mayor said local public safety officials support the request and that the licenses would be for restaurants, not bars. On S. 3090 and H. 5114, consumer advocates and cybersecurity experts supported requiring manufacturers of connected devices to disclose software support timelines, arguing it would improve consumer transparency, cybersecurity, and reduce e-waste. Industry groups opposed the bills, saying fixed disclosure requirements could be impractical, create confusion, burden small businesses, conflict with federal efforts, and be difficult to apply to appliances, lighting, and other products with long lifecycles. The committee did not take a substantive vote on the bills during the hearing; at the end, staff announced a forthcoming poll for House members, and the committee voted to adjourn.
WI
Wisconsin 2026 1st Special Session
Assembly Committee on Government Operations, Accountability, and Transparency Apr 15th, 2026
Assembly Committee on Government Operations, Accountability, and Transparency
Transcript Highlights:
- Wisconsin Eye is here.
- meetings law and open records laws, and the standard-setting and benchmarking process for the Forward Exam
- Regarding open meeting laws, open records, and the standard-setting process for the Forward Exam: for
- Did DPI consider the Forward Exam standard-setting workshop to be subject to open meetings law?
- Wisconsin Eye, Policy Made Public. Thank you. Thank you.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As we know, there are some exam processing timeline backlogs that happen with these licensure exams.
- Many graduates require four to six months due to exam timing and processing delays.
- And many graduates require like four to six months due to the exam timing and processing delays.
- So just an extra pair of eyes.
- We don't always see eye to eye. You guys know that.
Summary:
The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held a Friday morning hearing with several House bills and then took executive action on three measures. In executive session, the committee voted do pass on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2242, Substitute House Bill 2152, and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2168, sending the first two to Rules and the overdose-mapping bill to Ways and Means. The committee also waived the five-day notice rule for several bills on the agenda.
Public hearings focused on hospital inspections, continuing care retirement communities, radiologic technologist supervision, music therapy licensure, nursing regulation, ambulance billing after motor vehicle accidents, and EMT recertification. Representative Macri presented HB 2577 to require hospital inspections at least every 18 months, allow limited pauses during emergencies, and clarify when CMS or accrediting-body surveys may substitute for state inspections; DOH supported the bill, citing JLARC recommendations, while many people signed in opposed. Macri also presented Second Substitute HB 2384, which would require actuarial analysis review for certain CCRCs; OIC supported the transparency goal, while CCRC representatives opposed the added cost, though residents and association witnesses argued the oversight would protect seniors and their life savings.
Representative Engel’s HB 2113 drew strong support from radiology, hospital, and provider groups for allowing virtual direct supervision for IV contrast procedures and aligning state law with CMS practice. Representative Ryu’s HB 1187 would bar ambulance services from sending motor-vehicle-accident medical debt to collections for 120 days; she described a personal experience with an ambulance collection issue, and the hearing was closed after no testifiers appeared. Representative Reed’s HB 2363 would let music therapy applicants practice under supervision for up to six months while exam results are processed; music therapy witnesses said it would prevent workforce gaps. Representative Simmons’ HB 2339 would update nursing title and transcript requirements and allow the board to issue interim permits directly, with the Board of Nursing and ARNP groups calling it a technical cleanup. HB 2540 would extend EMT recertification intervals to six years for long-tenured EMTs, and firefighters supported it as an administrative simplification without changing training requirements.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/02/2026 - House Health & Human Services
House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, members, Senate Bill 1023 establishes standards for optometrists to conduct eye examinations
- The origin of the bill is that Senator Kavanaugh had an eye exam several years ago and the prescriber
- The origin of the bill is that Senator Kavanaugh had an eye exam several years ago and the prescriber
- It provides that an eye exam by an optometrist includes patient eye health and vision, number one, and
- Anyone want to... ...It provides that an eye exam by an optometrist includes patient eye health and vision
Summary:
The House Committee on Health and Human Services heard and advanced four Senate bills. Senate Bill 1242 would allow courts to conduct mental health evaluation and treatment hearings, or testimony within those hearings, virtually by phone, video, or other audiovisual technology when the court finds no unfair prejudice; supporters said it reflects current practice and helps avoid dismissals due to technical issues. It passed on an 11-0 vote with one member absent.
Senate Bill 1145 would transfer licensure and regulation of behavior analysts from the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners to the existing Behavior Analyst Committee, effective January 1, 2027, and make the committee’s decisions final rather than requiring board ratification. Supporters described it as an efficiency measure that reduces delay in licensing and complaint resolution. The committee recommended the bill 11-0, with one absent.
Senate Bill 1247 would allow individuals who do not receive assisted-living services to live with a resident in an assisted living center or home if the facility authorizes it, and it was described as a clarification of a recent statutory interpretation affecting independent residents. Members discussed possible safety concerns and facility discretion, and one member voted present while the rest voted aye; the bill received a due pass recommendation 10-0 with one present and one absent. Senate Bill 1023 would set optometry eye-exam standards based on community standards of care, recommend a one-year exam interval, and allow optometrists to extend eyeglass prescription validity up to two years, with adjustments based on patient risk factors; supporters said it codifies best practices and does not affect contact lens prescriptions. It passed 11-0 with one absent, and the committee then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 23rd, 2026
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- I feel strongly that allowing video physical exams to replace a true in-person hands-on exam is dangerous
- Lumps on dogs are found incidentally during physical exams.
- No human can guess by eye only if a lump is benign or needs surgical removal.
- The art of the physical exam should never be a lost art.
- And once a year to have a good, thorough physical exam.
Keywords:
animal telehealth, veterinary telemedicine, veterinary telehealth, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, pet care, companion animal, livestock, remote veterinary care, synchronous audio-video, telemedicine, prescription drugs, antimicrobial drugs, controlled substances, xylazine, compounding pharmacy, veterinary practice, Massachusetts Controlled Substances Act, animal owner