Transcript Highlights:

• Relative to medical terminology, to provide for terminology used in medical documentation, to require
• certain terms to be included in medical records and medical billing, and to provide for related matters
• How familiar are you with medical billing and changes to medical billing?
• So, um, It is not a medical term to put in medical documentation, basically.
• I pay a medical director. I order medical supplies. I pay liability insurance.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Summary: The committee met on April 1 and considered several health-related bills and one resolution. HB 933, by Rep. Charles Owen, would create commemorative birth certificates and adjust vital records fees; after adopting a technical amendment, the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 288, by Rep. Boyer, would require the term “miscarriage” to appear alongside “spontaneous abortion” in medical documentation and billing; after an amendment changed the bill from mandatory “shall” language to permissive “may,” the committee heard emotional testimony both in support and opposition and then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 420, by Rep. Berault, would require criminal background checks and registry review for all DCFS employees, not just those with direct contact with children; it was reported favorably. The committee also voluntarily deferred HB 927 and HB 962. The committee then heard HB 971, by Rep. Stagney, which seeks to equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates for independent rural health clinics and hospital-owned provider-based clinics. Supporters, including clinic owners and practitioners, testified that independent clinics provide the same services under the same rules but receive far lower reimbursement, making it difficult to retain staff and avoid sale to hospital systems. The author said the bill is intended to prompt discussion and eventual parity without harming hospitals, and the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 815, by Rep. Carver, would allow federally insured financial institutions to receive death certificate information from vital records to reduce losses and help reconcile account issues after a death; credit union representatives supported the measure, and it was reported favorably. The committee also adopted HR 74, by Rep. Sterling, which urges the Department of Education and local school authorities to report on how schools accommodate students with seizure disorders. Sterling described personal experience with epilepsy and said the resolution is meant to gather data on implementation of existing seizure action plan law and identify gaps in access to rescue medication and training. Finally, the committee took up HB 915, by Rep. Dickerson, which would place Medicaid prior authorization and utilization management timelines into statute. After technical and substantive amendments, including changing some deadlines from five business days to seven calendar days, the bill drew support from providers and health groups concerned about delays in care, and the committee reported it favorably as amended. The committee also began consideration of HB 944, by Rep. Hilferty, creating a women’s consortium within LDH focused on menopause and related women’s health issues; technical amendments were adopted and testimony emphasized coordination of existing research and resources, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we'll go from three medical schools to four.
• So, we'll go from three medical schools to four.
• </c> qualified medical health health care. qualified medical health health care.
• ,</c><00:10:25.880><c> death</c> documents, birth certificates, death documents, birth certificates,
• /c><00:10:29.240><c> a</c> certificates, marriage records into a certificates, marriage records into

Committee: House Health Services

Transcript Highlights:

• This regulation is being amended to establish five EMS medical director certifications, establish certification
• </c> continued approval certification. continued approval certification.
• certifications,<00:08:44.640><c> establish</c><00:08:45.120><c> certification</c> certifications, establish
• certification certifications, establish certification expiration<00:08:46.480><c> dates</c><00:08:46.800
• </c> non-clinical and non-medical in nature. non-clinical and non-medical in nature.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up a series of administrative regulations from several agencies. Early items included Attorney General consumer protection rules on removal sales, health spas, liquidation sales, and nonresident sellers of visual aid glasses; Finance and Administration Controller rules on clearinghouse validation and fraud prevention; and Board of Dentistry rules updating exam requirements, controlled substance prescribing, training for neuromodulators and dermal fillers, infection control, sedation/anesthesia continuing education, and required education on pediatric abusive head trauma and controlled substance ingestion prevention. The committee also approved staff amendments on these items, generally to conform to KRS Chapter 13A, and members asked a brief question about the dentistry controlled-substances changes, which was answered as an alignment with statute. The committee next approved regulations for the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers, Board of Nursing, and Board of Emergency Medical Services. The ophthalmic dispensers package would revise meeting and recordkeeping language, raise renewal fees, set reinstatement and apprentice-license rules, add complaint and hearing procedures, and repeal a duplicative regulation. The nursing regulations would streamline approval of training programs and require notice and documentation of site visits and deficiencies. EMS rules would create five EMS medical director certifications, set expiration and renewal requirements, require publication of disciplinary sanctions, and exempt currently approved directors before October 1, 2026. Staff amendments were adopted without objection on each set. The Education and Labor Cabinet’s school transportation regulation drew extended discussion. The agency explained the changes were intended to implement Senate Bill 46 and update references affected by later legislation, including an oral amendment to delete a subsection reference tied to KRS 160.380. The committee adopted both the agency and oral amendments without objection after brief questions about the scope of the bill changes and van transportation for students. The committee then heard a lengthy package from the Department for Public Health on WIC and related nutrition program regulations, including updates to infant and child certification periods, documentation requirements, vendor criteria, sanctions, hearing procedures, and high-risk vendor standards. Staff amendments were adopted without objection. Finally, the committee considered the Inspector General’s regulation for freestanding birthing centers, which included both staff and agency amendments. The agency changes would require two neonatal resuscitation program-certified staff, set rules for medical director vacancies and appeals, revise facility and staffing terminology, adjust transfer-agreement requirements, and allow waivers when agreements cannot be secured. Mary Katherine DeLodder of the Kentucky Birth Coalition testified in support, saying the parties had worked through concerns and were ready to move forward. The committee then moved on to Medicaid’s 1915C child waiver regulations, where staff amendments were adopted, but Lucy Heskins of Kentucky Protection and Advocacy testified against the package because it did not include person-directed services, which she said are required by Kentucky law and important for families using the waiver.

Transcript Highlights:

• Surgery is defined by the American Medical Association.
• Medical Association, and other groups support us as well.
• At that time, I decided to pursue my medical licensing; actually, it is my second medical licensing here
• I took all the required medical licensure exams and I am ECFMG certified.
• Later on, I did try to apply to medical residencies, but all the doors were closed.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• That is not the birth certificate. >> Correct. >> And a part of the medical information that the clinician
• </c> part of that medical information? part of that medical information?
• the birth certificate at the time that that birth certificate is issued.
• </c> physician certification. physician certification.
• </c> the statute for a new birth certificate. the statute for a new birth certificate.

Transcript Highlights:

• He also engages in aggression that can be severe enough to require medical care for himself or others
• Insurers still determine what is authorized and what is medically necessary.
• Access to this medically necessary care saved my life.
• California law already requires that insurers cover medically necessary sex-rejecting treatments.
• ...law in place that requires medically necessary gender-affirming care.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health met in Room 2100 and first handled its consent calendar, which included several bills and resolutions with amendments. The committee established a quorum, approved the consent calendar 6-0, and placed it on call. AB 2233 by Assemblymember Taw was then heard; the bill would clarify that authorized ABA therapy for autistic patients should remain usable across the authorization period rather than being effectively reduced by weekly utilization caps. Supporters, including behavior analysts, family advocates, and health organizations, described missed sessions caused by provider shortages, scheduling conflicts, and family disruptions. Health plans and insurers initially expressed fraud and utilization-management concerns but said they would remove opposition after the amendments preserved utilization management. The committee voted 7-0 to pass AB 2233 as amended and re-refer it to Appropriations, placing it on call. The committee next heard AB 96 by Assemblymember Jackson, which would remove the high school diploma or equivalent requirement for Medi-Cal peer support specialist certification. Supporters from county behavioral health agencies, nonprofits, and local governments argued that lived experience, communication, empathy, and cultural competency are the key qualifications for peer work, and that the current education requirement excludes capable candidates and worsens workforce shortages. One opposition witness from the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals raised concerns, but the bill’s proponents explained that peer certification still requires 80 hours of training, testing, and recertification on core competencies. The committee voted 7-0 to pass AB 96 and re-refer it to Appropriations, placing it on call. AB 1876, the Fair Care for All Act by Assemblymember Addis, was then heard. The bill would codify federal nondiscrimination protections into state law to ensure people are not excluded from health care coverage or services based on a protected class. Support came from transgender health advocates, psychologists, county and state health groups, and other organizations, who said the bill would help protect access to gender-affirming and other medically necessary care. Opposition testimony argued the bill would force coverage of sex-rejecting interventions and weaken insurer safeguards, while the author responded that the measure simply mirrors existing federal nondiscrimination law and does not expand coverage. The committee voted 7-1 to pass AB 1876 and re-refer it to Judiciary, placing it on call. After the roll was reopened for absent members, the committee also finalized votes on the earlier bills and adjourned after concluding its business.

Transcript Highlights:

• He also engages in aggression that can be severe enough to require medical care for himself or others
• He also engages in aggression that can be severe enough to require medical care for himself or others
• Insurers still determine what is authorized and what is medically necessary.
• Access to this medically necessary care saved my life.
• ...law in place that requires medically necessary gender-affirming care.

Committee: Senate Health

Transcript Highlights:

• We understand that those things—a birth certificate, vital records, a birth certificate, a Social Security
• So they may not take medication.
• What type of medications?
• So whenever they get their names and they get that certification, they get the certification from the
• So whenever they get their names and they get that certification, they get the certification from the

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an overview of our certificate data.
• The top one shows all the non-military certificates in comparison with our military-affiliated certificates
• certificates.
• The out-of-state certification, and you said the highlighted—so bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate—are
• the verification and the full certificate, correct?

Summary: The committee heard updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Navy Region Northwest, Fairchild Air Force Base, the Coast Guard, state licensing agencies, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Washington National Guard, and a veterans behavioral health presenter. Across the military briefings, common themes were readiness, infrastructure, and quality-of-life issues for service members and families, especially child care, housing, food insecurity, medical and dental access, and military spouse employment. JBLM highlighted its role in Indo-Pacific readiness, ongoing PFAS cleanup, 212 new family housing units under construction, efforts to expand child care, and continued work to keep the Lewis Army Museum open. Navy Region Northwest discussed its major installations and economic impact, the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan, future carrier and submarine homeporting needs, and asked the legislature to continue support for licensure compacts, educational stability for military children, housing, and medical access. Fairchild emphasized its tanker and survival missions, child care shortages, food insecurity, aging housing, and concerns about wind turbine development near flight paths, while the Coast Guard focused on rebuilding Base Seattle for new icebreakers and on rural access to housing, medical care, and child care at dispersed stations like Neah Bay. Members repeatedly raised food insecurity and asked for follow-up on solutions. JBLM and Fairchild both described increased demand for food assistance during the shutdown, and committee members noted progress in getting mobile food vans onto JBLM. The presenters also praised state action on military spouse licensure and child care, including Senate Bill 5545 and related compact and portability efforts. The Department of Licensing reported about 9,000 self-identified military members or spouses licensed, with average time-to-license just under nine days, and said applications are prioritized when military status is self-identified. The Department of Health said its military-to-civilian crosswalk now covers more than 35 health professions, that temporary practice permits and expedited processing are in place, and that 1,300 credentials were issued to military spouses and domestic partners and 129 to military-trained health professionals in the last fiscal year, all within 30 days. The Professional Educator Standards Board explained that military spouses and service members can receive expedited teacher certification with reduced documentation, and that they are moved to the front of the review queue when they self-identify. Members asked about verification, and staff said the process relies on attestation with investigatory safeguards if needed. The Washington National Guard briefed on its dual state and federal mission, the impact of the recent shutdown on nearly 700 employees who worked without pay, and policy and budget requests including youth academy protections, alignment of the Washington Code of Military Justice with the UCMJ, making Civil Air Patrol a division of the Military Department, 911 funding, disaster assistance, and capital funding for headquarters and readiness facilities. The Guard also warned about drone threats and said it wants authority to identify, track, and monitor suspicious drones. A veterans behavioral health presenter, an Army combat veteran and clinical social worker, described high suicide risk, barriers to care, and the need for more culturally competent services, especially for women veterans and caregivers. He said Washington veterans’ suicide rate remains above the national average and emphasized that childcare, transportation, and provider shortages can prevent timely treatment. Members generally responded supportively throughout, asked for follow-up on food security and other issues, and encouraged agencies to bring forward legislative ideas for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the certifications, trying to deduplicate those efforts and ensure that the consumers at the end
• Enforcement provisions and provisions related to certification of training organizations were removed
• I have some concerns with its use of the term certification. Testing labs are not certified.
• working as a HCA in the medical field to obtain those medical benefits for myself.
• working as a HCA in the medical field to obtain those medical benefits for myself.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1347, which would streamline cannabis testing lab accreditation by requiring the Liquor and Cannabis Board to accept Department of Agriculture accreditation as the basis for initial certification under certain conditions and to reduce duplication between agencies. The prime sponsor and several industry witnesses said the bill is intended to clarify authority, improve efficiency, and preserve consumer safety, while LCB said it had no policy objection but wanted implementation concerns addressed. Several witnesses supported the concept but said an amendment was needed to clearly assign accreditation authority to WSDA and avoid overlapping requirements. The committee also heard and later took action on several bills. House Bill 2229 would update the Professional Engineers Registration Act by changing board membership rules, increasing pro tem members, and revising registration and exam provisions; the sponsor and board director said it modernizes qualifications without changing licensure standards. House Bill 2091 would require more complete employee contact information to be shared with exclusive bargaining representatives under the Personnel System Reform Act; union witnesses supported it and a policy witness opposed it as a privacy intrusion. Second Substitute House Bill 1128 would create a Child Care Workforce Standards Board to make recommendations on child care worker standards; supporters said it addresses workforce shortages and retention, while providers and associations argued it duplicates existing work and could lead to unfunded mandates. In executive action, the committee voted do pass on Substitute House Bills 2492, 2107, 2151, 2355, and Gross Substitute House Bill 2471, and sent them to Rules. It also voted do pass on Second Substitute House Bill 2105 and referred it to Ways and Means. Other bills heard included House Bill 1701 on shared liquor license premises, where a small business owner supported more flexible shared-space arrangements and LCB suggested amendments to prevent undue influence; House Bill 2264 on unemployment benefits for employer-initiated layoffs, which was supported as a clarification to protect workers who opt into reduction-in-force programs; Substitute House Bill 2472 on fire sprinkler work enforcement, supported by labor and industry witnesses; and Second Substitute House Bill 2345, which would adjust paid family and medical leave premium allocations to address IRS tax guidance, with broad support from labor, business, and the agency.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:33.519><c> of</c> regulatory function of certificate of regulatory function of certificate
• Ignasio, Hawaii Medical support, Dr.
• </c><00:37:25.520><c> of</c> with to streamline some certificate of with to streamline some certificate
• </c><00:37:43.599><c> That's</c> medically underserved areas. That's medically underserved areas.
• </c> express a desire to keep the certificate express a desire to keep the certificate of<00:42:17.680

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services heard several health-related measures. SB 3132 on syndromic surveillance drew support from the Department of Health, healthcare organizations, and others, with DOH explaining the bill would formalize a surveillance program that has helped with real-time flu tracking and response to events like the Maui fires. A member raised privacy concerns from opponents, and DOH responded that the data are deidentified and do not include Social Security numbers or dates of birth. No votes were taken on the bill in the portion provided. SB 3134 on emergency medical systems of care received broad support from SHIPA, DOH, military and EMS representatives, and others, who said it would modernize the EMS system. SB 3136 on lead materials and water infrastructure was also supported by DOH and SHIPA; members asked whether the bill would allow Hawaii to keep stronger standards if federal drinking water rules were weakened, and DOH said the state would not have to follow weaker federal standards as long as Hawaii remained as stringent or more stringent. SB 3138 on independent audits of deposit beverage distribution drew support from DOH and several industry groups, but with amendments to reduce burdens on small businesses, raise the audit threshold, and modernize reporting; opponents also testified. DOH later clarified that the measure would affect a limited number of distributors and said it is working on an electronic submission system, though not yet for audit filings. SB 3139 concerning SHIPA was supported by SHIPA and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, while HMSA suggested one provision should remain under the insurance commissioner’s purview. SHIPA said the bill is about collaboration and a broader health vision, not regulation, and members indicated they were comfortable with removing the disputed portion. SB 3207 on background checks drew support from healthcare providers but opposition from the Attorney General and DOH. Supporters argued the FBI fingerprinting requirement is costly, duplicative, and difficult to schedule, while opponents said the bill would improperly shift fingerprint collection authority to hospitals and other facilities and could conflict with federal law. The committee engaged in extended questioning about costs, federal requirements, and whether the mandate would be passed on to patients; no final action is reflected in the excerpt. The committee then began SB 2271 on hospital licensing, with support from SHIPA, the Developmental Disabilities council, healthcare groups, Kaiser Permanente, and DOH, and commenters said the bill would allow hospitals to demonstrate compliance through CMS-recognized accreditation, with a suggested wording change to “approved” accrediting organization.

Transcript Highlights:

• They will hire them, but with certifications.
• Without those certifications, they will not be hired by Cal Fire.
• They will hire them, but with certifications.
• without those certifications they will The one thing that is missing is the certifications.
• You get a certificate for demonstrated capabilities.

Summary: The committee met on April 14, 2006, but began without a quorum and repeatedly recessed while members were summoned. The hearing covered several public safety and criminal justice bills, with testimony largely focused on juvenile justice, mental health, property fraud, prostitution/trafficking, and child exploitation. SB 1157 (Archuleta) would create a framework for less restrictive juvenile probation placements by directing the Judicial Council to develop rules of court; supporters argued it would add needed safety, staffing, background check, zoning, and notice standards, while opponents said it would impose rigid standards on a diverse set of placements and that the Judicial Council was the wrong body to set substantive program rules. The bill drew support from county probation and local government groups and opposition from youth defense and public defender organizations. SB 1012 (Smallwood-Cuevas), the Fire Camp to Career Act, would connect incarcerated fire camp participants to apprenticeships and recognize their training toward eligibility. The author and supporters from labor, fire-related workforce programs, and formerly incarcerated workers said the bill would turn emergency-response service into real career pathways and reduce recidivism; committee members generally supported the concept, with one member emphasizing that certification should still require demonstrated skill. SB 1306 (Cortese) would align state law with federal exemptions for certain low-concentration GBL chemical mixtures used in semiconductor manufacturing and research. Supporters said the bill would remove unnecessary regulatory burdens without affecting pure GBL or public safety, and members described it as a practical competitiveness measure. SB 1401 (Stern) would align felony incompetent-to-stand-trial procedures with existing misdemeanor procedures by adding timeframes, information-sharing provisions, and conservatorship referral tools. Supporters, including a district attorney representative and a family member, said it would help ensure timely treatment and prevent people from being released without care; opponents, including Disability Rights California and public defender groups, argued it would expand court control, weaken confidentiality, and increase conservatorship referrals. The committee approved SB 1401 on a due-pass motion to Appropriations. SB 1027 (Strickland), as amended, would create a task force to study street prostitution and human trafficking, with amendments adding survivor-focused language, a prevalence study, broader membership, and more time for the task force; it passed as amended to the Governmental Organization Committee. The consent calendar, including SB 962, SB 1001, SB 1100, and SB 1211, was approved. Later, SB 1307 (Jones) was heard to speed up clearing fraudulent or forged real estate documents from the record; supporters said it would let courts void false deeds more efficiently without replacing quiet title actions, and the bill passed as amended to the Senate Floor. Finally, SB 1276 (Rubio), the In Child Exploitation Act, was presented to clarify that knowingly viewing livestreamed or AI-generated sexual exploitation of a child is a crime; the author and witnesses from prosecution and forensic nursing said the law must keep pace with technology and close loopholes that let offenders avoid accountability.

Transcript Highlights:

• compliance with 19 federally required certification criteria.
• compliance with 19 federally required certification criteria.
• as additional criteria for carriers to meet as part of the health plan certification process.
• It reads, market factor certification.
• House Bill 1784 relates to certified medical assistants.

Summary: The House Health Care & Wellness Committee held public hearings on HB 2564 and HB 2599, then moved into executive session on several bills. HB 2599, which would restrict the use of AI in therapy and psychotherapy services, drew strong support from the prime sponsor, mental health professional groups, a privacy advocate, and an AI ethics researcher, all of whom warned that chatbots can mislead users, encourage delusions or self-harm, and lack licensure, accountability, and confidentiality protections. Several witnesses from health systems and telehealth organizations supported the bill’s intent but asked for narrower definitions and amendments to avoid unintended impacts on clinician-supervised tools, screening questionnaires, scribes, and other legitimate uses of AI. No vote was taken on HB 2599 during the hearing. HB 2564, which would give the Health Benefit Exchange authority to adopt market-factor certification criteria for exchange plans, was presented as a way to address affordability, bare counties, and plan duplication. Supporters included the Exchange, consumer advocates, rural and tribal representatives, navigators, and some individual consumers, who said the bill could improve access, preserve bronze plan availability, and help stabilize the market in counties with too few carriers. Opponents from health plans, Regence, Premier, and insurance producer groups argued the bill would expand exchange authority without clear standards, could reduce competition and carrier participation, and might conflict with existing OIC filing and confidentiality processes; the OIC supported the bill but requested an amendment on rate disclosure timing. The committee then moved to executive session and later reported out HB 1784, HB 2242, HB 2384, and HB 2505 with due pass recommendations, while deferring action on HB 1809 and HB 2261. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute for HB 1784 on certified medical assistants by an 18-0 vote, adopted one amendment and passed a substitute for HB 2242 on preventive services and immunization recommendations by an 11-7 vote, and passed a substitute for HB 2384 on actuarial reviews for continuing care retirement communities by a 16-2 vote. It also adopted an amendment and passed a substitute for HB 2505 on limited adult family home licensure exemptions for certain foster family situations by an 18-0 vote. The meeting adjourned after those actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• or do we not count those certificates?
• Certificates are a little bit odd in the sense that we have a number of certificates that are offered
• Those are for the certificates.
• Generally speaking, those are compared certificate to certificate, just like when we look at our completion
• medical malpractice.

Bills: SB37 , SB29

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: high-quality literacy instruction, science of reading, structured literacy, reading instruction, literacy assessment, dyslexia screening, phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, biliteracy, English language learner, ELL, bilingual education, dual language program, reading intervention, reading difficulty, reading improvement plan, literacy coach

Transcript Highlights:

• Medical professionals have clear and convincing as a standard across the board. This bill does not.
• And that is fair, and it's fair across teachers and medical professionals. ...suggested that that is
• These have created uncertainty and distrust about how a career-defining certification decision would
• This bill offers a cost-free, smart government solution to restore balance to the CJTC certification
• staff on the complaints and certification process, so we are well familiar with the process.

Summary: The House Committee on Community Safety held public hearings on House Bill 2220, which would change Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) certification hearings for peace and corrections officers. The bill would raise the standard of proof for suspension or revocation from a preponderance of the evidence to clear and convincing evidence, expand the hearing panel from five to six members by adding another law enforcement representative, and require biennial reporting by law enforcement agencies and the CJTC on officer certification, training completion, and decertifications. Sponsor Rep. Mari Leavitt and supporters argued the bill would improve fairness, transparency, training compliance, and recruitment/retention, while CJTC staff said they support objective hearings but opposed the burden-of-proof change and parts of the definitions, especially probation. Opponents, including police accountability advocates and several CJTC commissioners, argued the current system is working, there is no demonstrated problem, and the bill would weaken civilian oversight and make decertification harder. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 2362, which would lower Washington’s per se blood alcohol concentration threshold for impaired driving from 0.08 to 0.05, require a public information campaign, and direct an evaluation of the policy’s impacts by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy. Rep. Brandy Donaghy said the bill is intended to reduce traffic deaths and improve public safety. Supporters, including several prosecutors and victims’ family members, said lower BAC limits can deter impaired driving and save lives, and argued the change would educate the public and reduce crashes. Opponents from the hospitality, brewing, and wine industries said the bill would not address the main causes of fatal crashes, would burden businesses and responsible consumers, and pointed to Utah’s experience as evidence the policy may not reduce fatalities. Prosecutors also raised concerns about the toxicology lab backlog, though some said the bill could eventually reduce cases and improve safety. The hearing on HB 2362 ended with public testimony; no committee action or vote was taken in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know I have that, so it's a matter of specifically titrating your medication.
• I know I have that, so it's a matter of specifically titrating your medication.
• advanced training certificate programs and additional board certification exams.
• They have incredible medical conditions that require direct physician involvement.
• Patient number two, a 55-year-old lady, atrial fibrillation, on standard medical therapy.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services took up two bills. Senator Burgess presented SB 116, the Senate Veterans Package, which would reduce the number of Veterans Hall of Fame nominations, expand FDVA health survey and coordination efforts, add mental health training to the veterans suicide prevention pilot program, fix statutory references, improve coordination between Veterans Florida and FDVA, and require FDVA to develop a plan for adult day health care facilities for veterans and their families. An amendment was adopted to appropriate $300,000 for the suicide prevention training pilot and $50,000 for the health survey. The bill was supported in debate, especially for the adult day care provision, and CS/SB 116 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard SB 294 by Senator Harrell, which would exclude specified cardiac conditions—such as heart failure, coronary heart disease, and cardiac arrhythmias—from the list of chronic health conditions that may be managed under collaborative pharmacy practice agreements. Senator Harrell argued that these complex conditions require direct physician involvement and that pharmacists should not be making medication changes for severe cardiac patients based on protocols alone. Senator Rouson asked why heart conditions had been included previously, and Vice Chair Davis asked about fiscal impact; Harrell said there would be no state cost, though patients might face additional out-of-pocket expenses, which she said could be offset by avoiding more serious complications. Public testimony on SB 294 was divided. The Florida Pharmacy Association opposed the bill, arguing that collaborative practice agreements are voluntary, physician-controlled, and already include safeguards, and that pharmacists are highly trained to help manage chronic conditions and improve access and outcomes. A cardiologist with the Florida Chapter of the American College of Cardiology supported the bill, warning that cardiac patients are complex and that pharmacists may make dangerous decisions without the full clinical picture. Senator Burton also supported the bill, saying the original collaborative practice framework was not intended to let pharmacists diagnose or treat serious cardiac disease. SB 294 was then reported favorably by roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, Senators Rodriguez and Garcia asked to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 116, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Certificates are everywhere.
• Certificates are everywhere.
• Certificates are everywhere.
• Certificates are everywhere.
• very optimistic that new medic we're very optimistic that new medic non-addictive<05:11:51.120><c> medications

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 167, a PFAS-related measure to add ski, snowboard, and boat wax to the state’s list of banned consumer products containing PFAS. The sponsor said the product is already banned in many other places, alternatives exist, and the concern is that these products go directly into water rather than landfills. She cited high PFAS levels in several New Hampshire lakes and argued the bill would help stop further contamination. A member of the public also described personal experience with ski wax products disappearing from the market, suggesting PFAS may have been the reason. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 167. The committee next opened a hearing on House Bill 312, dealing with college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Representative Moffett explained the bill was prompted by the U.S. Supreme Court’s NCAA v. Alston decision and was modeled on New Jersey law. He said the bill would prevent colleges from restricting NIL compensation, require athletes to use licensed attorneys or registered sports agents, and limit certain endorsements involving addictive drugs, adult entertainment, firearms, and weapons. He framed the measure as a proactive response to a changing college sports landscape and noted possible future conflicts involving schools, agents, and endorsements. Committee members raised several concerns and suggested changes. One member questioned the bill’s exclusion of two-year institutions, another objected to the weapons restriction, and others asked how the bill would affect scholarships. The sponsor said the intent was to protect scholarships, especially athletic scholarships, and clarified that need-based scholarships were not meant to be affected. He also acknowledged discomfort with the endorsement restrictions and said the committee might want to broaden or revise the language. The hearing remained open for further consideration, with no vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, they have a diploma program in medical assistant and medical coding.
• So you have certificate as a completion, diploma, certificates, AAS, degrees, AS...
• You know, they have a diploma program in medical assistant and medical coding.
• So you have certificate as a completion, diploma, certificates, AAS, degrees, AS.
• Without medical. Without medical school, because pulling the medical school changes...

Committee: Joint Higher Education Funding Review Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a 26-year medical provider. I've done thousands of physicals on children.
• I'm a 26-year medical provider. I've done thousands of physicals on children.
• HB 1111, Certificates of Completion, by Representative Valdez.
• We don't want anybody leaving with a certificate of completion. I've worked so hard.
• I guess in my mind, if they get done with the certification of a certificate, I'm just wondering some

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Summary: The Education and Employment Committee met with a quorum and took up seven bills, all of which were reported favorably. First, HB 1367 on school attendance was presented as a response to rising chronic absenteeism; it would standardize attendance definitions and reporting statewide, and it passed 18-0 after supportive testimony from education and business groups. HB 949 would prohibit student use of wireless devices during the school day, while allowing district policies for designated use areas and existing medical/disability exceptions; members discussed classroom disruption, bullying, public safety, and accommodations, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved PCS for CS for HB 1135, requiring ECGs for student athletes in grades 9-12, with exemptions for religious objections and provisions on cost, liability, and medical clearance; the bill drew extensive emotional testimony from parents and advocates who described children lost to sudden cardiac arrest and was reported favorably after unanimous support. Members then approved CS for CS for HB 597 on diabetes management in schools, which would allow schools to keep glucagon pens and authorize trained personnel to administer them in emergencies; an amendment clarified charter schools are included as public schools. HB 1309 on reading interventions and instruction would expand reading support and training for grades 4-12 and require district reading plans to include evidence-based interventions; it also passed without opposition. CS for HB 981 on athlete representation and compensation would cap certain NIL agent fees, allow some high school athletes to earn NIL compensation, and create a framework for registered advisors; members raised concerns about predatory practices and coach involvement, but the bill passed favorably after amendment. Finally, HB 1111 would eliminate the certificate of completion option for students who do not meet graduation requirements, with the sponsor arguing it would better motivate students to earn a standard diploma and improve postsecondary and workforce opportunities. Members discussed the need for stronger supports to help students meet graduation standards, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after completing all agenda items.

Transcript Highlights:

• system, the Department of Health must develop patient care protocols and procedures for emergency medical
• To be frank, anesthesia reimbursement is very different from most medical services.
• It's rather going to deter people from taking essential medical care on time.
• These are not medical tourists.
• These are not medical tourists.

Summary: The House Health Care & Wellness Committee held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2232 would create a Department of Health-operated time-sensitive emergency data repository covering trauma, cardiac, and stroke events, with quality improvement reporting and support for rural facilities; it drew strong support from emergency physicians, nurses, and the Department of Health, while the Washington State Hospital Association said hospitals support the goal but lack the resources to absorb the added requirements. House Bill 1812, as a proposed substitute, would bar insurers and public plans from imposing anesthesia time limits or related reimbursement caps; the sponsor and anesthesia providers said it protects patient safety and fair payment, and the Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists asked for a clarifying amendment on physical status modifiers. House Bill 2250 would limit hospital charity care to Washington residents, while preserving emergency care access; supporters from rural hospitals and the Washington State Hospital Association said the change would help border hospitals facing rising nonresident charity care, and opponents from legal aid, patient advocacy, and LGBTQ groups warned it would create barriers, chill access for immigrants and other vulnerable patients, and conflict with Washington’s safety-net values. The committee also heard House Bill 2340, which would extend existing substance-use monitoring program protections and stipend eligibility to nursing assistants under the Board of Nursing’s CARES program. The sponsor described it as a simple equity measure, and the Board of Nursing supported it, saying it would improve access and reduce stigma; members asked where the stipend funding comes from, and staff and the board said it is currently general-fund supported at about $25,000 annually. House Bill 2577 would change hospital inspection law by requiring acute care hospital inspections every 18 months rather than on average, allowing some accredited inspections to satisfy the requirement every 36 months, and clarifying fire-protection reinspection standards; the sponsor and Department of Health said it responds to a JLARC audit and provides needed clarity, while DOH said it is still working to catch up from inspection delays caused by the public health emergency. The meeting ended after public testimony on the bills was closed and the committee adjourned.