Video & Transcript Research : 'therapy'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26

Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • We don't cover um occupational therapy or physical therapy for adults over the age of 20.
  • We don't cover um occupational therapy or physical therapy for adults over the age of 20.
  • We don't cover um occupational therapy or physical therapy for adults over the age of 20.
Bills: HF4609, HF4401
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/18/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Sometimes it’s physical therapy, sometimes it’s occupational therapy, sometimes it’s nursing care.
  • “Continues the Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners for four years until July 1, 2030.
  • All right, this is the Occupational Therapy Board continuation.
  • The drug list without any step therapy or prior authorization.
  • But limiting tools like prior authorization and step therapy, this bill will ensure that we'll bypass
Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) on homelessness in Maricopa County and CASS programs for single adults, families, and older adults. The witness described rising homelessness, especially among older adults, and said recent declines were linked to American Rescue Plan Act funding for shelters and flexible rental assistance. Members asked about CASS partnerships with mutual aid and service organizations; the witness described collaborations for food, banking, haircuts, digital access, and behavioral health. No vote was taken on this presentation. The committee then considered HB 2248, the Arizona Medical Freedom Act, which would bar businesses, schools, and government entities from denying services or employment based on medical interventions and limit employer medical requirements, with a school outbreak amendment adopted. Proponents framed the bill as protecting bodily autonomy and informed consent, while opponents argued it would weaken employers’ ability to control communicable diseases and protect public health. The committee adopted the amendment and advanced the bill on a 4-3 vote. It also advanced HB 2906, requiring one oral and maxillofacial surgeon on the State Board of Dental Examiners, and HB 2189, directing the Nursing Board to implement rules for licensed health aides performing routine ventilator care; both passed with amendments and strong support from sponsors and board representatives. Later, the committee approved HB 2403, appropriating $2.5 million in FY2027 for home- and community-based services providers serving elderly and physically disabled Arizonans. Supporters said the funding would help retain caregivers and reduce more expensive hospital or facility care. The committee also passed several continuation bills, including HB 2731 for the Physician Assistants Board, HB 2730 for the Occupational Therapy Board, and HB 2729 for the Nursing Board, all on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes after testimony from board staff emphasizing public protection and oversight. The committee then took up HB 2728, a DES continuation bill that also incorporated nine previously vetoed policy bills affecting SNAP, unemployment, and related benefits. Opponents argued it would make access to essential benefits harder and turn a routine continuation bill into a vehicle for controversial policy changes; supporters said it was needed for oversight and program integrity. The bill advanced on a 4-3 vote. Finally, the committee approved HB 2048, a strike-everything amendment requiring AHCCCS to treat a new non-opioid pain medication no more restrictively than opioids in utilization controls, and ACR 2058, which would require a comprehensive Medicaid claims audit funded by recoveries. Both measures drew support from sponsors and some personal testimony, while opponents warned about cost, duplication of oversight, and incentives that could bias audits; each advanced on 4-3 votes. The committee then adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Feb 18th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • This amendment removes all stem cell therapy language from the bill.
  • Seeing no questions, we have one appearance form: Anita Berry, Florida Occupational Therapy Association
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met to hear and vote on a series of health, human services, and education-related bills, along with a presentation of the committee’s proposed HHS budget. The budget was described as increasing by more than $2.1 billion over the current base, with major funding highlighted for Medicaid and KidCare, rural health, provider rate increases, child welfare, mental health and substance use, opioid treatment, Alzheimer’s initiatives, cancer research, ADAP, veterans’ services, and IT modernization. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on AIDS Drug Assistance Program funding and concerns about Department of Health changes affecting access, premium assistance, notice, and continuity of care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Among the bills reported favorably were measures on podiatric medicine and tissue-based products (SB 1092), background screening and clearinghouse procedures (SB 1168), child protective investigations involving specific medical diagnoses and second opinions (SB 42), clinical laboratory personnel licensure standards (SB 878), uterine fibroid data tracking and research (SB 196), medical marijuana treatment center oversight and related health provisions (SB 902), dyslexia and dyscalculia screening and intervention in schools (SB 1340), memory care licensure for assisted living facilities (SB 1404), congenital CMV education materials (SB 1414), Parkinson’s disease registry and related public records exemption bills (SB 1684 and SB 1686), and occupational therapy dry needling licensure standards (SB 914). Several bills were amended before passage, including SB 1092, SB 42, SB 902, SB 1684, and SB 1404. Testimony generally came from professional associations, advocacy groups, and affected stakeholders, with support voiced for most measures. The committee adopted amendments on the floor, heard no opposition during debate on the bills described, and then voted to report each measure favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded in the affirmative on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:
  • practice statute, which currently allows them to prescribe a wide range of drugs and engage in IV therapies
  • The decision to initiate a systemic IV antimicrobial therapy requires a mastery of diagnostics and appropriate
Summary: The committee approved the minutes and held Senate Bill 1241 for a later hearing because a witness was unavailable. It then took up Senate Bill 1144, which would create an alternative pathway for veterinary technician certification through supervised on-the-job training instead of only a two-year curriculum. Supporters, including the Arizona Humane Society, a high school student in a veterinary program, and a veterinary technician employer, argued the bill would help address a veterinary technician shortage, reduce student debt, and expand access to care. Opponents, including the Arizona Veterinary Technician Association and some veterinarians, said Arizona already has an existing pathway, warned the bill could weaken competency standards and patient safety, and argued the shortage is more about retention and utilization than entry requirements. The committee adopted a Bolick amendment tightening supervision and documentation requirements, then passed SB 1144 as amended on a 6-1 vote. The committee next approved Senate Bill 1247 unanimously. That bill would allow an individual who does not need services to live with a resident in an assisted living center or other unit in the facility, and would bar the Department of Health Services from imposing care requirements on that individual. The sponsor and a lobbyist said the bill was intended to fix a recent statutory interpretation that could force spouses or other companions to separate or pay for services they do not use; a floor amendment was mentioned to extend the same treatment to assisted living homes. Senate Bill 1286, which would extend from 14 days to 60 days the period for veterinary prescriptions and renewals issued through telemedicine, drew extensive testimony and was ultimately held for a possible amendment next week. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Arizona Humane Society, and Animal Policy Group, said telemedicine has expanded access in rural and underserved areas and that longer prescription windows would improve convenience and continuity of care while still excluding controlled substances. Opponents, including the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians, argued the current 14-day limit is a compromise that protects animal safety, that telemedicine without an in-person exam can lead to misdiagnosis and delayed diagnostics, and that the bill could function like a “pill mill.” The committee then passed Senate Bill 1164, which would let Medicaid billing continue under the prior owner’s certification number during a change of ownership for skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Supporters said the current process can delay reimbursement for 6 to 18 months and strain providers; Access said it had legal concerns about possible conflict with federal law but was working on fixes. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1181, which would expand CPA certification pathways by adding degree-and-experience options and updating reciprocity rules, and a supporter from the Arizona Society of CPAs said it would address workforce shortages and improve mobility.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Health Committee Meeting - 2026-03-25

Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • HF 4595 updates our marriage and family therapy licensure by reciprocity laws by moving requirements
  • Instead, the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy would issue...
  • ,<00:26:08.880> which<00:26:09.040> represents<00:26:09.520> the Therapy, which
  • updates our marriage and family therapy updates our marriage and family therapy by<00:26:23.679>
  • <01:03:06.960> is to effective obesity therapies is to effective obesity therapies is crucial
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 13th, 2026 at 04:01 pm

Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you can start us with House Bill 12, and that's the physical therapy licensure compact.
  • I can say the same about physical therapy. The answer. It's okay. It's late.
  • I can say the same about physical therapy. I'm sorry.
  • The physical therapy 126 physical therapists just to meet those national benchmarks.
  • My name is Dana Gray, executive director of Desert States Physical Therapy Network.
Bills: HB10, HB12, HB34, SB130, SM21
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Feb 12th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • medical assistance that allows them to function, to stay stable, to remain in the workforce—the therapies
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard and advanced a series of health, child welfare, aging, disability, and public records bills. CS/SB 1002, on child welfare and parental substance abuse, was described as clarifying that acute or chronic parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect when it creates an ongoing risk to a child; it passed after limited questions and supportive testimony from Florida Smart Justice Alliance. CS/SB 1630, a broad aging and long-term care modernization bill, would streamline eligibility screenings, allow temporary DOEA services during emergencies or lead agency failures, tighten oversight of area agencies on aging, permanently establish the Florida Alzheimer’s Care Center of Excellence, and expand guardianship training and enforcement tools; it drew support from AARP, area agencies, and the Alzheimer’s Association and was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1022 to add Bay County and Pompano to the Florida Children’s Initiatives, and CS/SB 1030, via strike-all amendment, to streamline regulation of substance abuse and behavioral health providers and clarify background screening and privacy rules. Several bills focused on health care practice and patient access. CS/SB 36, with an amendment, allows nurses with doctoral degrees to use appropriate titles while requiring clear identification as nurses and making misuse grounds for discipline; nursing organizations supported it and it passed. CS/SB 844 requires physicians and nurses to complete a one-time, board-approved continuing education course on sickle cell disease care management, with multiple patients and advocates testifying about delayed care, bias, and the need for better provider education; the bill was reported favorably after an amendment aligning it with the House version. CS/SB 560 streamlines procedures for psychotropic medication for children in DCF custody by reducing duplicative reports, clarifying evaluator qualifications, limiting repeated background checks, and simplifying consent documentation; an amendment removed postsecondary education language, and the bill passed. The committee also approved a public records exemption bill for a uterine fibroids research database (CS/SB 864). The committee also advanced measures affecting disability services and forensic care. SB 6, a claims bill, would pay $3.8 million to a trust for a child who suffered severe abuse-related injuries after DCF involvement; it passed without opposition. SB 778 updates the definition of forensic clients so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism found incompetent to proceed can be housed in the same secure forensic setting, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs; it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1016 codifies the Working People with Disabilities Program, allowing eligible developmentally disabled adults to work while retaining Medicaid waiver benefits and requiring notice to enrollees; advocates described the bill as essential to employment and independence, and it passed. Throughout the meeting, most bills received supportive public testimony, few questions, and unanimous or near-unanimous favorable votes.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 6th, 2026 at 05:13 pm

Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • that should have the protections of not having to go through this prior authorization or the step therapy
  • I'm at home doing some step therapy on a cold. The pot toddy didn't work last night.
  • Prior authorization, step therapy requirements may be used when necessary for the clinical safety of
Bills: SB20, SB111, SB211, SB218, SB14
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/16/2026 - House Health & Human Services

Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • There are a lot of specific hazards with these IV antimicrobial therapies that are amplified when compared
  • Not only by taught IV therapy, but pharmacology courses over my career, and you just mentioned you don't
  • We’ll look for every opportunity to apply vitamins, nutrients, and herbal or nutrient therapies.
  • And so anytime we add new therapies or opportunities to service our patients, there definitely will be
  • will be opportunities for improving our education. therapies or opportunities to service our patients
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1114, which would appropriate $1 million to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to investigate behavioral health patient brokering statewide. Sponsor Sen. Karen Werner described the bill as a response to fraud involving vulnerable Native Americans and said the county attorney would investigate the whole state. Some members questioned why the Attorney General was not handling the work and whether the funding should go to a county office, while others supported the effort. The committee voted 10-1 with one present to give SB 1114 a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1116, which would require that denials or adverse appeal decisions on behavioral health claims for the American Indian Health Program be reviewed by someone with at least two years of relevant clinical experience. Access testified neutral but said the bill’s language was too broad and could increase appeals and staffing needs, estimating about $490,000 for eight FTEs. Sen. Werner said the bill was meant to prevent inappropriate denials by reviewers without relevant expertise. Members raised concerns about definitions and staffing, and the committee approved the bill 7-4 with one present. Senate Bill 1346 would require Access to notify providers of claim deficiencies within 72 hours and decide corrected claims within 10 business days. Supporters said the measure would reduce long delays and help providers stay afloat; Access said it was working on process improvements but warned the bill would require more staff and system changes, estimating about $580,000. The committee passed SB 1346 7-5. Senate Bill 1347, requiring insurance coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients at risk of infertility, drew strong support from cancer survivors and advocates, with insurers neutral; the committee passed it unanimously 12-0. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1813, which would require Arizona State Hospital admissions to be based on clinical need rather than county of residence. Supporters argued the Maricopa County cap unfairly delays treatment and is not required by the underlying court ruling, while ADHS warned the bill could conflict with the Arnold v. Sarn settlement and could shift access away from rural counties. After extensive discussion, the committee passed SB 1813 9-2 with one present. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 1178, which would allow naturopathic physicians to administer IV antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals; the initial testimony was largely opposed by medical associations on patient-safety and training grounds, with supporters yet to testify in the excerpt provided.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/23/2026 - House Health & Human Services

Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, Arizona Stem Cell and Regenerative Therapy Act is a guardrail bill.
  • Representative Contreras asked whether the bill skips step therapy.
  • It's skipping the step therapy or?
  • There is still a step therapy control in this, which is a form of prior authorization.
  • Well, what happens when therapy doesn't work? You know, those people end up on our streets.
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1121, which would prohibit hospitals from requiring lead aprons for cardiac catheterization staff when a radiation protection system is in place, while still allowing hospitals to require aprons outside the designated safety zone or when exposure levels warrant additional protection. An amendment added flexibility for radiation safety officers to require lead or other PPE if exposures approach occupational limits and removed expedited rulemaking language. Supporters, including the sponsor and interventional cardiologists, argued the devices reduce radiation and orthopedic injuries and improve recruitment and retention; hospital groups shifted to neutral after the amendment. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1121 on a 9-2 vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1120, which would require hospitals performing cardiac catheterization procedures to equip at least 50% of those rooms with radiation protection systems by 2027. Supporters said the systems protect clinicians from radiation and long-term injury, while opponents, including hospital and radiology groups, argued the bill was overly prescriptive, could create a captive market, and might not fit all rooms or procedures. After adopting a children’s hospital exemption amendment, the committee passed SB 1120 on a 6-6 vote, with the chair breaking the tie in favor of the bill. Senate Bill 1118, an appropriation measure tied to the radiation protection system proposal, was also advanced after brief discussion, passing 6-5. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1214, which would create guardrails for non-FDA-approved stem cell and regenerative therapies, including provider standards, informed consent, advertising limits, reporting requirements, and a private right of action for violations. Supporters described it as a patient-protection and access bill, while testimony emphasized concerns about unregulated “bad actors” and patients traveling out of state for treatment. The committee adopted an amendment removing a reference to the National Law and passed SB 1214 on a 9-3 vote. The transcript then began discussion of SB 1630, which would create a Medicaid-funded home and community-based service benefit for adults with serious mental illness, with AHCCCS taking a neutral position and estimating a significant fiscal impact.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/22/2026 - House Health & Human Services

Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • While we wait for her, though, we will hear our first two bills: 2049, radiation therapy, rural counties
  • and the Arizona Department of Health Services to develop language that responsibly allows radiation therapy
  • gender dysphoria is a condition that resolves up to 95% of minors if they're treated with either therapy
Summary: The committee opened with attendance and member introductions, then heard a series of health-related bills, many focused on access to care in rural and underserved communities. HB 2049 would allow particle accelerators for radiation therapy in critical access hospitals and counties under 400,000 population under general supervision; sponsors and rural oncology witnesses said it would reduce travel burdens for cancer patients while maintaining safety protocols. HB 2050 updated radiologic technologist statutes to align with current national standards, adjust accreditation and clinical-hour requirements, and allow radiologist assistants to work under supervision rather than direct supervision; an amendment also added registered nurses to the list of professionals not needing a separate license to use diagnostic X-ray machines. Both bills were supported by testimony about workforce shortages and access, though one member voted no on HB 2050 over concerns about oversight and board authority. Both measures received do-pass recommendations, with HB 2050 amended. The committee then unanimously advanced HB 2082, which creates a Childhood Cancer and Rare Childhood Disease Research Commission to award grants for phase-one pediatric cancer and rare disease trials. Testimony came from families affected by pediatric brain cancer, including a parent who described traveling internationally for treatment and a college student currently undergoing treatment who urged the state to invest in research. Members expressed strong sympathy and support, and the bill passed 12-0. Next, HB 2015 would require Access to cover breastfeeding and lactation services in multiple settings; the sponsor and medical witnesses described breastfeeding as preventive care with benefits for infants and mothers, while Access testified neutral and noted a fiscal estimate was being developed and that the amendment would protect the state if CMS does not approve the services. The bill, as amended, also received a unanimous do-pass recommendation. The committee also approved HB 2177, which directs Access to seek CMS waivers so tribal and Indian Health Service facilities can be reimbursed for certain covered services, including dental care, for American Indian and Alaska Native members. The sponsor and a Sage Memorial Hospital representative said the bill would help rural tribal facilities keep services local and maximize federal matching funds; it passed unanimously as amended. HB 2178, requiring a state agency medical chief officer to hold an active medical or osteopathic license, was described as a cleanup measure after a lapse in licensure exposed a statutory gap, and it also passed unanimously. HB 2179, which clarifies definitions separating air ambulance from ground ambulance regulation, was supported as a technical clarification to avoid unintended consequences and likewise received unanimous approval. Finally, the committee advanced HB 2183, which creates an emergency medicine study committee to examine Arizona’s EMS system, including rural and urban capacity, workforce burnout, uncompensated care, and emergency department utilization. The sponsor said the study would help the state understand system pressures and identify policy solutions; firefighters, health care advocates, and an emergency medicine nurse practitioner testified in support, emphasizing the ER’s role as the safety net and the strain from staffing shortages, rural closures, and high volumes. The bill was still under discussion at the end of the transcript, with testimony continuing after the initial supporters spoke.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/23/26

Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • :43:02.800> extraordinary gene therapy represents an extraordinary gene therapy represents an
  • therapy ecosystem in Minnesota. therapy ecosystem in Minnesota.
  • therapy.
  • The concept of the gene therapy therapy.
  • now have technologies like gene therapy now have technologies like gene therapy and<01:06:26.319
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Health and Human Services REVISED Mar 2nd, 2026 at 02:00 pm

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, they will go into the care and therapy environment of one of our RCFs, our residential care facilities
  • However, 20 years of therapy Treatment and necessary service plans have allowed this person to go off
  • So, are they going to have someone giving them follow-up, directly observing therapy, something to ensure
  • provisions, background check provisions required for champion athletic trainers, and occupational therapy
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • First of all, physical therapy is the least invasive, most cost-effective option for many injuries, both
  • HB 4099 builds on the legislature's 2019 success, allowing limited access to physical therapy, meaning
  • Executive Director of the Texas Physical Therapy Association, and I am for the bill.
  • You need to reopen pathways for conversion therapy? We know for a fact what is best for LGBT kids.
  • I'm referencing conversion therapy. It doesn't really...
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Yes, stem cell therapy is technically available... ...in this state.
  • , and I have administered stem cell therapy once or twice.
  • We love that you brought this therapy here. We're very excited to be a part of this.
  • So if we are able to broaden the areas in which we are able to deliver this therapy.
  • I mean, it's pretty broad for a new therapy.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 7th, 2025

S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Transcript Highlights:
  • And it allows all individual or family therapy with licensed practitioners and all trauma therapy.
  • Well, prior to reunification therapy coming into vogue, so to speak, they would order therapy.
  • Abusers, just like we're seeing with this, this type of therapy. It's not even really therapy.
  • Therapy, which is, again, not real therapy, not evidence-based, not validated by research. is not therapy
  • In surgery therapy being divisive... surgery. What was the last one? Divisive therapy.