Transcript Highlights:

• </c> American College of Emergency Physicians American College of Emergency Physicians Colorado<00:49
• The Colorado Medical Board oversees the licensure and regulation of physicians, physician assistants,
• ,</c><01:11:41.520><c> physician</c> regulation of physicians, physician regulation of physicians, physician
• license for physicians who do not treat patients or prescribe medicine, but just want to teach.
• who do not treat license for physicians who do not treat patients<01:12:16.200><c> or</c><01:12:16.280

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:42.400><c> or</c> supervision of ATs by physicians or supervision of ATs by physicians or
• Every orthopedic physicians.
• . or a referral from a physician.
• </c> These are best evaluated by a physician. These are best evaluated by a physician.
• . physician. physician.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• cheap physician.
• cheap physician.
• cheap physician.
• cheap physician.
• cheap physician.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think as a physician, as a parent, as someone who cares about their community.
• Through proactive physician engagement, patient education, Through proactive physician engagement, patient
• Map Act, representing osteopathic physicians and Amgen, like Mr.
• Map Act, representing osteopathic physicians and Amgen, like Mr.
• Thank you. ...to substitute once a physician has written, do not substitute.

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , that's a lot different than having full-time physicians. by full-time physicians, so we wanted to look
• and nurses. physicians, nurses, and EMTs.
• Our dashboard currently only reflects physicians and nurses.
• We've also included physician retention rate, physicians who have completed graduate education in New
• This is for all physicians. We can see supply is 3,400 in the state of New Mexico.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation is intended to aid patients who might have endured some trauma from physicians who, because
• either Texas or Louisiana, there was an attorney general that is seeking legal action against a physician
• in the state of New York for something that the physician did, completely something that we approve
• a patient when they're being, if some, if another, if you're not the main medical provider, the physician
• for acting as physicians and are seeking to punish individuals for seeking care.

Committee: Senate Health

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Health Committee met to consider a series of bills, many of them repeat proposals from prior sessions. Early measures included S.11 on disclosure for non-invasive prenatal screening, S.92 allowing redaction of certain physician names from birth certificates, S.135 creating practical support grants for abortion care, S.428A requiring chain restaurants to label high-sodium menu items, S.555 prohibiting visual images of people undergoing medical treatment without consent, and S.1614A establishing presumptive Medicaid eligibility for people leaving incarceration. The committee also advanced S.1438A to create an abortion clinical training program, S.1468 on access to medical records and limiting copy charges to actual cost, S.1619 expanding pharmacists’ authority to order and administer certain tests, and S.1714 banning the use of “excited delirium” as a diagnosis or cause of death. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on S.1633A, which would add protections for sensitive health information and allow patients to restrict disclosure of specified categories of data. One senator argued the bill could hinder care by limiting access to complete records, especially in emergencies, while supporters said the measure was needed to protect patients and providers from legal action by other states or the federal government, particularly in reproductive health cases. Staff clarified that the bill would allow segregation of specific sensitive data rather than locking an entire record. The committee also discussed S.1913, a 340B prescription drug anti-discrimination bill; supporters said it would protect safety-net providers and federally qualified health centers from pharmaceutical company practices, while one senator raised concerns about broad state intervention in a federal program. Additional bills advanced included S.5981 establishing a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health program, S.6178 directing a sickle cell disparity study, S.7457 permitting cremation or natural organic reduction for certain unclaimed decedents, S.7541 moving up reporting timelines for licensed home care services agencies, and S.8257A directing an alternative payment methodology for federally qualified health centers to support fertility care. Most bills were moved by committee vote, generally with some opposition or without recommendation, and were referred to first reading, rules, or finance as appropriate.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am here to present SB 849, a bill that addresses physician sexual misconduct.
• The physician-patient relationship involves significant vulnerability and relies on ethical judgment
• Patients place extraordinary trust in their physician.
• In 2022, AB 1636 removed the Medical Board's discretion to reinstate a physician or surgeon who lost
• In all of the reported instances, the physician either had their license revoked or the physician surrendered

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the middle of the road, and below that, we're trying to move the needle to get those physicians
• who just aren't addressing these... that just aren't those physicians or State Farm agents, whatever
• Um, I received a call from a retired physician—or actually an email—from a retired physician there in
• They found out it was through statute, and so what this will do is allow a retired physician to... will
• These retired physicians have probably forgotten more about medicine than most of us will ever know,

Bills: HB330 , HB336 , HB322 , HB346

Committee: House Health

Keywords: lead ban, plumbing codes, lead-free, public health, environmental management, respiratory therapy, interstate compact, licensing, military service members, healthcare access, regulation, postpartum depression, postnatal care, maternal mental health, perinatal depression, postpartum screening, new mother, birth mother, newborn discharge, hospital discharge materials

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe that any Texas licensed physician should have an exemption.
• Members, thank you for allowing me to represent the physicians, physicians that I do.
• As a physician Did you encounter any women?
• With the patient, with the referring physicians, consulting physicians, even attorneys to make sure that
• that care is the best care possible and the physicians are protected.

Bills: HB7 , SB 8

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam, prohibition, state law, sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> inactive physician-assistant licenses. inactive physician-assistant licenses. 201<00:03:54.760><
• to at least one licensed physician, and add reimbursement for department-approved vaccines. procedures
• </c> timeline for updates to the physician timeline for updates to the physician fee<00:17:00.280><c>
• to at least one licensed physicians to at least one licensed<00:17:10.280><c> physician,</c><00:17:11.240
• ><c> and</c><00:17:11.439><c> add</c> licensed physician, and add licensed physician, and add reimbursement

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting’s minutes, and then reviewed a series of administrative regulations from multiple agencies. Most of the regulations were presented as technical updates or policy clarifications, and in each case the committee approved staff-suggested amendments without objection. The Department of Revenue regulation would delete a section on tax credits for trusts and estates to align with statute. The Kentucky Public Pensions Authority package updated definitions, sick leave credit rules, hazardous/non-hazardous employment participation, refund procedures, contribution limits, mortality table references, and incorporated federal tax references. The Board of Medical Licensure regulations addressed renewal and activation of inactive physician-assistant licenses and renewal/reinstatement timelines for athletic trainer licenses. The Fish and Wildlife regulations revised rules for Otter Creek and Peabody areas by deleting definitions and creating shooting-range permit exemptions. The committee also heard emergency vocational rehabilitation regulations that would clarify definitions, due process rights, federal compliance, service fees, in-state service preferences, and service-specific requirements; a workforce insurance regulation updating contribution/reporting rules for professional employer organizations; and a horse racing regulation adding license categories for allied animal health professionals, animal chiropractors, and equine dental providers, while updating fees, application timing, and special events licensing. Members asked questions about the horse racing licensure changes, and the agency explained they were responding to prior session changes and adding guardrails, including veterinarian sign-off for equine therapist licensure on the back side of a racetrack. The Department for Public Health package made several personnel and salary-related changes for local health departments, including salary ranges for new hires, probation and evaluation rules, salary increases after probation, and limits on certain leave payouts for employees who separate without proper notice or are dismissed for cause. The Office of Inspector General regulation added electronic prescription references and removed authority to create a new prescription number for partial dispensing of Schedule II prescriptions. The Department for Medicaid Services regulations updated provider group definitions, removed some service limits, required prior authorization for all genetic testing for non-MCO recipients, changed physician fee schedule updates from quarterly to annually, and added reimbursement for department-approved vaccines. Members asked detailed questions about genetic testing prior authorization and sleep disorder coverage; the agency said prior authorization is intended to take two to five days and that sleep disorder services generally involve sleep apnea-related treatments such as CPAP machines and sleep studies. The committee then adjourned and announced its next meeting for Tuesday, May 12 at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under this legislation, if there is no amendment, and a physician is...
• A patient doesn't have the same duty as a physician.
• I would say a physician always... Sure. All right. Thanks. Thank you.
• Because patients choose physicians for lots of reasons.
• Because patients choose physicians for lots of reasons.

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. The sponsor explained that the bill, as amended, would align Florida law more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” requiring providers to furnish requested records within set timeframes, allowing a limited extension with notice, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several members asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill affected meaningful-use rules or post-mortem access. Multiple witnesses opposed the bill, arguing it could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with existing privacy rules, and burden providers; supporters said it would improve patient access and consistency. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. The bill would direct DEP to establish rules for synthetic turf and limit local governments from banning it if state rules are followed, while also addressing change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor work, building code updates, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and single-trade inspections. Amendments removed the pool and spa contractor provisions and the tall mass timber language. Testimony on the bill centered heavily on the pool industry, with contractors and the Florida Swimming Pool Association opposing expansion of scope to general and building contractors, while some speakers supported other parts of the bill. After adopting the amendments, the committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. The bill would allow minors to be tested for STDs without parental consent but require parental consent for treatment, expand parents’ rights to access records and control certain health decisions, and restrict health care services, medical procedures, and biofeedback devices for minors absent consent or an exception. An amendment moved survey and questionnaire provisions into the education code, added an explicit court-order exception, clarified DNA and biofeedback provisions, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions. The committee heard extensive public testimony both for and against the bill, with supporters emphasizing parental authority and opponents warning it could delay STI treatment, mental health care, and other services for vulnerable minors. The transcript ends during public testimony on the bill, before any final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• IF PATIENT DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME DUTY AS A PHYSICIAN.
• I FEEL LIKE AS A PHYSICIAN I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE DOCTOR THESE QUESTIONS.
• A PHYSICIAN CAN DENY CARE TO A PATIENT WHO REQUESTS CARE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE PHYSICIANS OWN DEEPLY
• BECAUSE PATIENTS CHOOSE PHYSICIANS FOR LOTS OF REASONS AND PHYSICIANS POSITION FOR OR AGAINST VACCINATIONS
• BECAUSE SOMETIMES YOU HAVE PHYSICIANS THAT DON'T WANT TO VACCINATE PATIENTS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:08:20.319><c> consciousness</c> last year um a physician consciousness last year um a physician
• </c><01:18:32.080><c> alive</c> There is no dentist or physician alive There is no dentist or physician
• And I I with dentists and physician.
• </c><01:48:00.159><c> and</c> continuing education for physicians and continuing education for physicians
• There's a list of 30 physician trainees.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met for its third meeting, approved the minutes, and heard testimony from Dr. Jack on behalf of the American Beverage Association and Kentucky Beverage Association. Dr. Jack argued that the “totality of the science” supports low- and no-calorie sweeteners as safe and useful tools for reducing sugar and calories, citing FDA and other domestic and international reviews, clinical trials, and the FDA’s recent healthy-label rule. He also described the industry’s transparency efforts, including a “Good to Know” database compiling ingredient and safety information, and said the beverage industry has voluntarily worked to offer more choices with less sugar. Members questioned him about whether beverage ingredients are restricted in other countries, possible health effects beyond weight and cancer, concerns about metabolic issues and gut microbiome effects, whether sweeteners are addictive, and why companies do not simply remove sweeteners. Dr. Jack responded that most ingredients are permitted in many jurisdictions, that broad food-safety reviews have looked at multiple endpoints and found the ingredients safe, that the gut microbiome is still being studied, and that recent clinical evidence does not show increased sweetness preference. He also said business decisions about formulations are up to companies and noted that cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are metabolically similar. The committee also discussed consumer apps and ingredient-scoring tools; Dr. Jack said the industry’s website presents facts without interpretation and is based on food-safety agency assessments. At the end of his testimony, the chair accepted additional fact sheets for the committee. The meeting then moved on to introduce Dr. Gary Huber, who began testimony by emphasizing integrative medicine, metabolic syndrome, and the role of diet, exercise, sleep, and stress in health, but his full presentation was not included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 148 by Assembly Member Addis relative to Family Physician Week.
• And this lack of physicians actually... Who provide preventative and primary care.
• And this lack of physicians actually plagues all of California.
• I'm incredibly proud to honor the work of our family physicians.
• I'd also like to take a moment to welcome four family physicians. Thank you again.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also use it for note for physicians so that physicians don't have the additional burden of taking
• We also use it for note for physicians so that physicians don't have the additional burden of taking
• nursing physicians for skilled nursing facilities<00:09:21.760><c> um</c><00:09:21.920><c> I</c><00:
• consulting a physician actually consulting a specialist. specialist. specialist.
• ><c> has</c><00:27:44.080><c> been</c> physician dispensing industry has been physician dispensing industry

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint HHS and LBT meeting opened with accessibility concerns, as several blind attendees arrived after the general public had already been seated. The chair apologized and said future hearings would try to seat blind members earlier. The committee also announced the hearing was being streamed on YouTube, testimony would be limited to one minute, and written testimony was available online. The first bill heard was SB 2281, relating to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The Department of Health supported transparency for patients but preferred disclosure through provider websites and office signage rather than a new regulatory program. The Hawaii Medical Association and Healthcare Association of Hawaii generally supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about administrative burden and suggested a working group or model policies. Hawaii Pacific Health said it already uses AI for note-taking and patient portal functions and worried that written notice requirements could create too much consumer information. In response, the chair emphasized that patients should be informed when AI is used, especially if it affects diagnosis or consequential decisions, and said AI should not be making medical decisions. The committee later voted to recommend SB 2281 pass with amendments, including narrowing the definition of consequential decisions, removing certain language requested by DOH, adding a two-year implementation period, and setting a far-future defective date for further discussion; both committees adopted the recommendation, with the chair voting aye and the vice chair voting with reservations. The second major bill was SB 2852, a civil rights measure focused on digital access for people with disabilities. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii all supported the bill, arguing that existing law clearly protects physical access but should also make digital access explicit. Blind testifiers described how accessible technology, such as VoiceOver on iPhones, allows them to participate independently in public processes and warned that inaccessible digital systems can create barriers for thousands of blind residents. One testifier, an attorney with disability-law experience, supported the bill’s intent but said the draft had flaws, including no exceptions for archived materials, no distinction between small and large businesses, and concerns about the timing and choice of accessibility standards; he suggested delegating regulatory authority to the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission. The bill’s sponsor said he supported DAB’s proposed amendments, and the committee indicated those amendments would address many of the concerns raised. No final vote on SB 2852 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up SB 2751, which defines compounded prescription drugs for workers’ compensation purposes. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested clarifying amendments to keep pharmacists as the primary professionals authorized to compound in licensed pharmacies and to limit any physician compounding authority to the physician’s own patient. Supporters included the Work Injury Medical Association of Hawaii, while Solera Integrated Medical Solutions opposed the measure, arguing the current definition was already broad enough and warning about cost inflation, especially with 503B bulk compounding facilities and physician dispensing. In questioning, members asked about rural access, reimbursement for 503B products, and late testimony suggesting definitions for 503A and 503B facilities, limits on physician dispensing to 30 days post-injury, and pre-approval for non-FDA-approved drugs. DLIR said not every rural community has licensed pharmacists available, that products with a national drug code are reimbursed at 140%, and that 503B facilities raise concerns because they are bulk manufacturers rather than patient-specific compounding operations. The meeting then moved into decision-making on SB 2281; the chair’s pass-with-amendments recommendation was adopted by both committees, with the vice chair voting with reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> creates a statutory board of physicians creates a statutory board of physicians and<00:33:49.679
• </c><00:34:26.159><c> uh</c> board of physicians and adviserss. uh board of physicians and adviserss.
• ><c> require</c><00:47:44.720><c> one</c> physician discretion, would require one physician discretion
• </c> Rachel mentioned was physician Rachel mentioned was physician discretion.<00:58:50.000><c> Now,<
• Hands of the physician.

Committee: Joint Agriculture

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:20 Approval of June 4, 2026 Minutes 00:03:09 Prioritizing Kentucky Agriculture: Medical Cannabis 00:03:38 Prioritizing Kentucky Agriculture: Bourbon 01:41:03, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been working as an emergency room physician for 20 years.
• </c> particular Hospital in Texas Physicians particular Hospital in Texas Physicians were<00:14:55.440
• </c> a long time everyone has seen Physicians a long time everyone has seen Physicians as<00:17:40.600
• Karen Abrams, and I'm a pediatrician and physician in Kentucky.
• They're not going to keep the physicians here.

Keywords: Discussion on SB 132 - 00:06 Vote on SB 132 - 04:41 Discussion on HB 219 - 43:49 Vote on HB 219 – 49:00 Discussion on HCR 20 – 50:08 Vote on HCR 20 – 51:28, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 132, which would create conscience protections for health care professionals who object to participating in certain procedures or services on religious, moral, or ethical grounds. Senator Donald Douglas and several supporters argued the bill is a recruitment and retention tool for Kentucky’s health care workforce, emphasizing provider shortages, maldistribution, and the need to protect individual conscience rights. Supporters said the bill would not apply to emergency care, would not permit denial of care based on a patient’s identity, and would mainly protect professionals from being forced to perform procedures they believe are unethical. They also cited similar laws in six other states and said the bill would have a cause of action to give it enforcement teeth. Supportive testimony came from an emergency physician, a registered nurse, and others who described personal experiences or examples involving objections to abortion-related care, opioid prescribing, and pressure to participate in procedures that conflicted with conscience. They said conscience protections would help attract providers, preserve ethical integrity, and allow clinicians to make professional judgments without corporate or institutional coercion. In questioning, senators asked about practical examples, the scope of the bill, whether it would cover hypothetical cases involving patients of particular religions or identities, and which states have similar laws. The sponsor and supporters repeatedly said the bill is about procedures, not patients, and that it should not be read to allow discrimination against individuals. Opponents, including pediatricians and a registered nurse/minister, warned that the bill is overly broad and could allow refusals of care by not only physicians but also pharmacists, clerks, and ambulance drivers. They argued it could delay treatment, increase discrimination, and worsen access problems in rural areas, especially for contraception, Plan B, blood transfusions, and other services. Critics said existing professional ethics already require patient care and that the bill could undermine evidence-based medicine and worsen Kentucky’s provider shortage. The committee took testimony and questions; no final vote or disposition was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recently, we have passed policy in support of a prohibition on non-competes in physician practices.
• I would note the physician community is not a monolith, so there may be elements of the physician community
• But as the association representing physicians and physician assistants in our state, we are in support
• Vancouver Clinic is an independent, physician-owned medical practice in southwest Washington.
• They do have non-compete agreements in place with their physicians.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Second Substitute House Bill 2479 would create a wage recovery program within L&I to advance part of unpaid wages to low-wage workers facing immediate hardship, funded by civil penalties, while also increasing and restructuring wage theft penalties and complaint prioritization. Supporters, including the prime sponsor, labor advocates, and employer representatives from the work group, said it would help workers get paid faster and was a consensus proposal; questions focused on how the current complaint process works and whether general fund money would be needed. Engrossed House Bill 1941, as amended, would allow licensed cannabis producers to form agricultural cooperatives, with the striking amendment limiting any cooperative to three producer licenses; supporters said cannabis producers should have the same cooperative tools as other agricultural sectors, while some testimony urged future changes for interstate commerce and warned against consolidation. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2476 would expand the spirits, beer, and wine theater license from 120 to 200 seats per screen and add stronger alcohol-control measures when minors are present; theater operators and LCB supported the change, and committee questions focused on youth access and enforcement. House Bill 1526 would allow snack bar licensees to sell wine by the glass in addition to beer; the sponsor said it simply modernizes the license, and LCB noted a likely fee alignment issue and a small revenue impact. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1155 would void non-compete agreements and expand related notice and non-solicitation rules, with testimony split between labor and worker advocates supporting broader worker mobility and business and health care groups seeking narrower exemptions for executives, physicians, and financial institutions. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2303 would prohibit employers from requesting or coercing employees to accept microchip implants, with no testimony offered. Substitute House Bill 2405 would create a three-year pilot for earlier PTSD treatment coverage in workers’ compensation for eligible occupational disease claims, with L&I supporting it as a way to improve outcomes and reduce long-term costs. The committee also took public testimony on these bills, with strong pro and con positions noted on the wage recovery, cannabis cooperative, and non-compete measures. In executive action, the committee adopted a striking amendment and passed House Bill 1069, narrowing it to Department of Corrections employees and making supplemental retirement bargaining mandatory, despite concerns from one member about the change. The committee also adopted a striking amendment on House Bill 1347 concerning cannabis testing labs, then passed it to Rules; passed Second Substitute House Bill 1701 on liquor licensees sharing property; passed House Bill 291 on employee information for public employers to Ways and Means; passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2229 updating engineer registration provisions; passed House Bill 2264 on unemployment eligibility for workers in employer-initiated layoffs; passed Substitute House Bill 2472 adding enforcement for sprinkler contractors and fitters; and passed Second Substitute House Bill 2345 on paid family and medical leave premium allocation. A striking amendment to Second Substitute House Bill 1128 creating a child care workforce standards board was not adopted, and the bill then passed to Rules. The committee also announced it would hold House Bill 1066 for later action and planned to return the next day for its final executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Health Program to implement a physician health program.
• For physicians, physician assistants, and other providers, that fee is set at $70.
• Four, they have to have obtained an attestation from the physician.
• and physician assistant members here today in support of Substitute Senate Bill 5185.
• Historically, we've seen that those are called associate physicians in other states.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several health-related bills. SB 5904 would restrict nursing titles such as RN, NP/ARNP, and LPN to licensed human people and prohibit non-human entities, including AI chatbots, from using those titles. The sponsor and nursing advocates said the bill is meant to prevent confusion and protect public trust, while preserving the use of AI as a support tool. SB 5877 would add a $70 surcharge for certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and access HealWA resources; supporters said it closes a technical gap and aligns CAAs with other medical professions. SB 5185 would create a pilot pathway for certain international medical graduates with clinical experience licenses to obtain full primary care licensure; supporters from the medical commission, physicians, and IMG advocates said the program has worked well, has shown no patient safety issues, and could help address workforce shortages. The committee also heard extensive testimony on ESSB 6210, which would let the Health Benefit Exchange adopt additional market-factor certification criteria for exchange plans, including standards aimed at preserving access and affordability in underserved counties. Supporters, including the exchange, OIC, consumer advocates, tribal representatives, and patient groups, said the bill is needed to respond to federal policy changes, rising premiums, and disappearing coverage in places like San Juan County. Opponents from carriers and employer groups argued the timeline is too fast, the criteria are too discretionary, and the bill could reduce competition and raise costs. The committee then heard SB 5981, which would strengthen protections and reporting requirements for the federal 340B drug pricing program and limit manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies and data requests. Hospitals, clinics, and patient advocates said the bill protects safety-net care and rural access, while manufacturers, employers, and business groups argued it would expand a program that already raises costs and lacks transparency. In executive session, the committee took action on SB 5917, related to Department of Corrections distribution of abortion medications, rejecting five proposed amendments and then advancing the bill on a 10-6 vote with three excused. The committee also advanced SB 5988, which concerns Department of Health opioid treatment program accrediting activities, on a do-pass recommendation after brief discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Be they physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, etc.
• This is for international physicians to be able to come to work in each of the states.
• We see physicians... Coming up with over $200,000 of debt.
• I don't recall the number of physicians. Perhaps 75 to 100.
• Yes, physician assistants do receive awards. Representative Gonzales. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee