Transcript Highlights:

• It says that any panel, committee, system, or program established by the State Department of Health,

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 17 February, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered three House bills. House Bill 515, described as a measure allowing radiologist assistants to discuss preliminary findings with physicians after a test, was presented as identical to an earlier bill and passed on a title sufficient, do pass motion without debate. House Bill 1637 would create a fetal and infant mortality review panel under the Department of Health to align state law with federal requirements and mirror existing maternal mortality review work. The bill prompted extended questioning about broad exemptions from the Open Meetings and Public Records Acts, with Senator Blunt and others expressing concern that the language was too broad and could shield records beyond individual patient privacy. Dr. Edney of the Department of Health testified that the protections were needed so hospitals and providers would share sensitive information for performance improvement and mortality review work, and that final reports would still be issued. After the debate, Senator Blunt moved to lay House Bill 1637 on the table subject to call, and the motion passed. The committee then took up House Bill 814, which would raise fees for inspections and investigations of food establishments and wastewater systems; it was described as a Department of Health measure supported by the regulated entities because they want inspections. The bill was characterized as maintaining an arm’s-length relationship between regulators and regulated parties, and it passed on a title sufficient, do pass motion. The chair closed by noting the committee had completed its agenda and would not meet the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think CMS even had a program to even help them change their business model in these rural hospitals
• I think CMS even had a program to even help them change their business model in these rural hospitals
• I think CMS even had a program to even help them change their business model in these rural hospitals
• I think CMS even had a program to even help them change their business model in these rural hospitals
• The ombudsman program is authorized by the federal Older Americans Act.

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up several bills described as vehicles to keep options open for pending rural health issues, especially the rural health transformation fund and the Greenwood Hospital situation. The chair explained that Greenwood Hospital is struggling financially and operationally, including a Medicaid overpayment dispute in which Medicaid planned to recoup $2 million from a December payment, threatening payroll and continued operation. The committee discussed a proposed committee substitute that would delay recoupment until May 1 and preserve legislative flexibility to help Greenwood if a workable plan emerges. The committee adopted motions for title sufficiency and due pass on the block of bills, including the committee substitute and reverse repealer provisions. The committee then turned to two certificate-of-need bills. One bill, 2474, was presented as a rural hospitals measure that would let certain rural hospitals obtain certificates of need for services such as outpatient dialysis units, ambulatory surgical facilities, and geriatric psychiatric units, with definitions aimed largely at Delta and other rural counties. The chair also included a provision making the state health officer’s licensing decision final and not subject to judicial review, with only a short reconsideration process available. Senator Hill objected, arguing the bill concentrated too much power in the health department, eliminated meaningful court review, and unfairly picked winners and losers instead of letting the market work. The chair responded that the goal was to reduce costly, repetitive litigation and preserve access to care in areas where hospitals struggle financially. The committee then considered Senator Blackwell’s broader CO bill, which would address appeals and litigation more generally by shifting costs to the losing party in CO disputes. A reverse repealer was adopted first, and the chair explained that the bill was intended to reduce endless and expensive appeals while still allowing a limited opportunity for reconsideration. Senators Hill and others raised concerns about limiting judicial review and expanding health department power, while the chair said many states have no judicial review in this area and that the committee was exploring the issue further. The chair said he had asked several members to study the matter and contact the National Council of State Legislatures. The committee ultimately adopted the motions on the bills and amendments by voice vote, with the ayes prevailing each time.

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 28 January, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, if they're not compliant with the program, it will proceed in a disciplinary hearing. program with
• And so we program every single day.
• and programs such as afterchool programs and programs such as afterchool programs and activities<
• certificate program. certificate program.
• of that's a requirement of the program. of that's a requirement of the program.

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 21 January, 2026; 3:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 3, a certificate-of-need measure that had passed last year but was vetoed by the governor because of one objectionable provision. The chair explained that the House had just passed the bill unanimously and urged quick Senate action so it could be sent to the governor again. He said the bill is intended to restore the prior law, with the main policy focus on rural hospitals and other future certificate-of-need changes. A question was raised about language affecting the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s academic exemption; the chair said the intent was to preserve the teaching hospital’s core exemption around its main campus while requiring certificate-of-need review for facilities it operates elsewhere, and the committee then voted title sufficient, due pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2476, requested by the Board of Pharmacy. Senator Hill explained that it would let licensed pharmacists self-report substance abuse or mental health issues and enter treatment before disciplinary action, similar to programs already available for nurses and with comparable provisions for physicians and dentists. Board representatives said participants would have to stop practicing until cleared, and that failure to comply would trigger discipline; the bill was described as an alternative to professional discipline, not immunity from criminal law. After questions about definitions and how many times a person could use the program, the committee voted title sufficient, due pass. The meeting concluded with an informational presentation from Mr. Anderson on child care funding and program operations. He said the state used ARPA funds during the pandemic to support child care certificates and providers, but those funds were exhausted, leading to a pause and a waiting list of about 20,000 families; the program currently serves about 18,000 children. He said the department is continuing $15 million in state support, is converting 30% of the TANF state assistance grant to child care, and is exploring additional TANF direct-assistance options, though cautiously because the state has not done that before. He also discussed child care tax credits, employer-based child care, and efforts to expand capacity through provider support and technical assistance.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to public health, of course, we have the issue of public welfare.
• ><00:07:45.120> issue<00:07:45.360> of<00:07:46.080> public<00:07:46.479> welfare
• <00:07:47.840> And have the issue of public welfare.
• And have the issue of public welfare.

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 14 January, 2026; 3:15 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and briefly treated the session as an organizational meeting after an earlier hearing that had been difficult to manage. The chair thanked witnesses for their efforts, noting that some had traveled long distances, including nursing students from Mississippi University for Women, a witness from Los Angeles, and another who had come after working overnight in the emergency room at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The chair also announced committee changes: Senator England and Senator Boyd were new members, Senator Boyd was absent, and Senator Parks was the new vice chair. The main policy discussion focused on anticipated committee work for the year. The chair said a previously passed certificate-of-need bill, vetoed by the governor over one provision, would likely be reintroduced without the objectionable section and sent to the governor early in the session. He also said he was cautious about co-legislation because of unintended consequences, but identified several areas that seemed likely to receive attention, including rural and small hospitals, dialysis, mental health care, and daycare availability as a workforce issue. On hospitals, the chair said small and rural hospitals were struggling because shorter stays and outpatient procedures had shifted revenue away from hospitals, and he suggested looking for ways to capture some of that revenue to support hospital operations. He expressed doubt that outpatient dialysis at small hospitals would be practical, but said the committee would likely consider it. He also said the committee was likely to look at mental health care and public welfare issues, especially daycare affordability and availability. No substantive votes were taken beyond a motion to rise and report, which passed.

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, January 7, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 31 March, 2025; 3:45 PM, 925, all

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 26 March, 2025; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 4 March, 2025; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 3 March, 2025; 4:45 PM, 925, all

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 26 February, 2025; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 19 February, 2025; 2:45 PM, 925, all

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 4 February, 2025; 10:25 AM, 925, all

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 4 February, 2025; 5:00 PM, 925, all

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 4 February, 2025; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 29 January, 2025; 3:15 PM, 925, all

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 28 January, 2025; 3:30 PM, 925, all

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 14 January, 2025; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the pleasure of actually serving with David in a volunteer capacity in a father-daughter camping program
• . program.
• It provided 1 billion dollars to various of our programs.
• There are other programs that don't have a federal match. And so we do have that pocket of money.
• For the welfare of all of our citizens. I've had written testimony for you as well.

Keywords: Texas Water Fund, water management, infrastructure funding, local governments, workforce development, community colleges, educational programs, sustainability

Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial issues, including the Texas Water Fund and its implications for development in the state. Various members highlighted the critical need for effective management of water resources, discussing the role of the Water Development Board and their strategies for outreach to local governments. The committee engaged in a thorough examination of funding projects and the sustainable financing necessary for communities facing challenges in meeting their infrastructure needs. Additionally, there was notable discussion regarding promoting workforce development and the alignment of educational programs with the demands of the job market as indicated by recent trends in community colleges.

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3kxLrI4cvQ, 2026-06-21T07:17:05+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting start – 00:00:00 Attendance roll call – 00:00:14 Financial Aid Programs in the Southeast Region, Dr. Pruitt, Southern Regional Education Board – 00:00:57 Approval of the minutes from the August 3, 2023 meeting – 00:46:39 National Perspective of State Financial Aid Programs, Frank Ballmann, National Association of State Student Grand and Aid Programs – 00:47:00 Next meeting announcement: Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 3 p.m. – 01:00:38, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47