Video & Transcript : 'allopathic physician' :
Page 73 of 237
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- oversight of licensed midwives from the Department of Health Services, DHS, to the Naturopathic Physicians
- three requires, beginning July 1, 2027, all monies deposited in the board fund for a naturopathic physician
- licensing and regulation to be used only for licensing and regulating naturopathic physicians.
- six applies the statutory investigative and disciplinary procedures prescribed for naturopathic physicians
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, welcomed former Senator Limpancrazi, and recognized page Owen Washburn and his family. The chamber then moved through messages and second-reading listings, and the Committee of the Whole considered several House bills. HB 2398, dealing with watercraft operation and peer-to-peer watercraft sharing insurance, received a floor amendment clarifying the types of insurers that may provide primary commercial boat liability coverage and was reported do pass as amended. HB 2477, relating to the Arizona Education Savings Plan, was amended to add investment guardrails, conflict-of-interest protections, an advisory team, limits on land investments, and statutory treatment of the local government investment pool, then reported do pass as amended.
The Committee of the Whole also considered HB 2251 on midwifery, which was amended to transfer oversight of licensed midwives from the Department of Health Services to the Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board, add a licensed midwife to the board, separate midwife and naturopathic funds, apply investigative and disciplinary procedures, and make conforming changes; it was reported do pass as amended. HB 2991, concerning minors’ access to technology content and social media, drew extensive debate. A floor amendment revised age-signal and parental-consent procedures, changed default settings language, removed a private right of action, and made other technical changes. Senators Tise, Epstein, and others argued the bill still raised serious First Amendment and censorship concerns, while Senator Bullock defended it as a child-safety measure that did not require uploading ID. The bill was ultimately reported do pass as amended.
In third reading, the Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report, retained HB 2397 on the calendar, and voted on several bills. HB 2104, HB 2105, HB 2763, HB 2786, HB 2771, HB 2782, and HB 4117 passed; HB 2457, HB 2494, and HB 2696 failed. HB 2457 and HB 2494 drew opposition over local control and land-use concerns, while HB 2696, aimed at fuel and gas prices, drew criticism that the Commerce Authority was not the right vehicle and that the issue was driven by federal policy. HB 4117, relating to offenses against public order and religious services, passed after sharp debate over whether it would protect worship or chill protest and free speech, with opponents warning of vague language and potential political prosecutions. The Senate also voted to reconsider its prior action on HB 2311 and HB 2601, requested the House return HB 2995 for reconsideration, and adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- oversight of licensed midwives from the Department of Health Services, DHS, to the Naturopathic Physicians
- Three, requires beginning July 1, 2027, all monies deposited in the board fund for a naturopathic physician
- licensing and regulation to be used only for licensing and regulating naturopathic physicians.
- The statutory investigative and disciplinary procedures prescribed for naturopathic physicians to licensed
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services REVISED Apr 30th, 2026
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- As a board-certified family medicine physician for 23 years and working in health care education and
- training, we really have, which I'm sure you're seeing it, in rural Oklahoma we're struggling for physicians
- I'm an osteopathic physician.
- During that time, I was also appointed and served as a physician advisor to the Workers' Compensation
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
Summary:
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met to consider a series of gubernatorial nominations, first for several boards and commissions and then for key health-related executive positions. Early confirmations included Michael Vaughn to the Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors, Tina Frazier to the State Board of Licensed Social Workers, Dr. Kanya Martin and Dr. Edgar Boyd to the Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Dr. Christopher Thurman to the Health Care Workforce Training Commission, Samuel Haubrick and Robert Wipp Jr. to the Committee of Home Inspector Examiners, and Dr. Gabriel Pittman to the State Board of Health. Each nominee briefly described their background and qualifications, and committee members generally emphasized professional experience, public service, and rural health needs. All of these nominations advanced on unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The committee then considered Clayton Bullard for two roles: Cabinet Secretary of Health and Mental Health and Administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Senators focused heavily on Medicaid managed care, provider payment delays, MCO oversight, and the short timeline before a new administration. Bullard said his priority would be stabilizing the agency, building a balanced budget, monitoring contractors and managed care organizations, and ensuring claims are paid promptly; he reported high rates of clean-claim payment within 14 days and said the agency would continue fining MCOs for noncompliance. Members also pressed him on legislative oversight and the need to keep lawmakers informed about policy changes. Both nominations were approved and sent to the full Senate.
Sharon Schell Millington was then nominated to lead the Office of Juvenile Affairs. Senators asked about security concerns, staff safety, de-escalation training, pay for direct care staff, and coordination with local law enforcement. Millington said the agency had increased staff pay, adopted nationally recognized restraint/de-escalation training, and was working to improve communication with law enforcement. Her nomination also passed and moved to the Senate floor. At the end of the meeting, the chair answered a question about board membership requirements, clarified that the statute limits how many members may reside in one congressional district but does not require every district to be represented, and thanked committee staff for their work as the committee’s final HHS meeting of the session.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- He's about to start working as a primary care physician up in Northern Phoenix and believes that true
- And so what this is doing is going after physicians.
- We already have a health care crisis in this state: not enough physicians, not enough health care workers
- The stem cell physicians of Arizona are in support of this, and it would offer patients more treatment
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation honoring the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Members also welcomed the Doctor of the Day and several guest groups, including Alzheimer’s Association advocates. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several Senate bills.
In Committee of the Whole, the House advanced SB 1037, SB 1233, SB 1290, and SB 1445, adopting committee amendments where offered and giving each a do pass recommendation; SB 1814 was retained. Members discussed SB 1055, which would require reporting certain unlawfully present individuals arrested for crimes to federal immigration authorities, with Democrats raising concerns about profiling and civil liberties and Republicans arguing it simply enforces federal law; it also received a do pass recommendation. SB 1274, relating to transportation and infrastructure, was amended and recommended do pass, SB 1502 also advanced, and SB 1573, concerning foreign or religious sectarian law in state courts, prompted debate over whether it was necessary or duplicative but was likewise recommended do pass. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the measures were assigned accordingly.
The House then took up third-reading votes. SB 1168 and SB 1172 passed overwhelmingly, SB 1290 passed after debate about HOA meeting openness, SB 1221 passed on a 32-24 vote after supporters said it would improve tax transparency, and SB 1400 passed 47-9 despite concerns about peer support and counseling protections. SB 1214, a medical practice bill involving stem cell regenerative therapies, failed 25-31 after some members said they were not comfortable with the measure; afterward, a motion to reconsider its failure was adopted, placing it back on the third-reading calendar. The House also granted the Senate permission to adjourn until April 27, and then adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- He's about to start working as a primary care physician up in Northern Phoenix and believes that true
- And so what this is doing is going after physicians.
- We already have a health care crisis in this state, not enough physicians, not enough health care workers
- The stem cell physicians of Arizona are in support of this, and it would offer patients more treatment
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 20th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He was voted Tulsa's best chiropractic physician.
- establishing a respected practice in Tulsa, where he was recognized as one of the city's top chiropractic physicians
- Later in life, I went back to school and became a chiropractic physician.
- Later in life, I went back to school and became a chiropractic physician.
Bills:
HB1675 , HB3242 , HB1739 , HB3320 , HB3047 , HB4434 , HJR1089 , HB4432 , HB3718 , HB3705 , SR43 , HB1933 , HB4248 , SB1847 , SB1778 , HJR1086 , HB3001 , HB3002 , HB3003 , HB3004 , HB3005 , HB3007 , HB3008 , HB1590 , HB1242 , HB3818 , HB4305 , HB1979 , HB1225 , HB3931 , HB4454 , HB3849 , HB1746 , HB3720 , HB4275 , HB4300 , HB3586 , HB2268 , HB3755 , HB4117 , HB4294 , HB3650 , HB4298 , HB3270 , HB3145 , HB3056
Keywords:
emergency management, severe weather, youth camp, summer camp, overnight camp, day camp, outdoor education, adventure camp, wilderness program, campground safety, tornado preparedness, flooding, flash flood, high winds, hail, lightning, extreme heat, extreme cold, wildfire smoke, evacuation plan
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and pledges, and recognized several visiting groups and honorees, including students from Wesleyan Christian School, Claremore Day participants, and a tribute to Dr. J. Craig for his Marine Corps service, chiropractic career, and aid to first responders after the Oklahoma City bombing. The chamber also welcomed a Cricket Oak High School AFJROTC unit and the Lincoln Christian wrestling team, both recognized for recent achievements. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 43 commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and honoring victims, survivors, and first responders.
The Senate took up House Bill 1933, first rescinding prior action and then adopting a floor amendment to correct a drafting error and shift a penalty provision; the bill then passed 47-0. House Bill 4248, which would require purchasers of hemp beverages to be 21 and treat them similarly to beer for age purposes, passed 45-0 after brief discussion about whether it had medical implications. The Senate also adopted House amendments to Senate Bill 1847, described as a compassion bill that would have saved the state money, and passed it 35-11 before later approving it as an emergency measure with 43 ayes.
The chamber next adopted House amendments to Senate Bill 1778, a major literacy bill adding early intervention, teacher training, and optional early ELA testing for second graders, along with good-cause exemptions; it passed 43-2 and then as an emergency measure. The Senate also passed House Joint Resolution 1086, approving rules from several agencies, by 42-4. Finally, the Senate advanced and passed a series of sunset-extension bills for boards and councils, including the Child Death Review Board, county government training commission, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Board of Examiners in Optometry, Oklahoma Climatological Survey, several environmental advisory councils, and the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, with most later receiving emergency passage. The Senate concluded with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until April 25, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Lawmakers Speak on Enforcement For 340B Drug Pricing Plan Protections - 04/07/26
Transcript Highlights:
- I see uh physicians caring for people who have been through um motor vehicle trauma.
- I see physicians caring for people who have been through motor vehicle trauma.
- I see physicians caring for people who have been through motor vehicle trauma.
- I see physicians caring for people who have been through motor vehicle trauma.
Summary:
The meeting focused on a Minnesota Senate floor debate over a bipartisan 340B enforcement bill, with supporters arguing that the measure would require pharmaceutical companies to comply with federal and state law and continue providing discounted drugs to safety-net and rural hospitals. Senators and other speakers said the program is essential to hospital finances, especially for facilities facing operating losses and federal Medicaid cuts, and warned that without enforcement language hospitals such as Hennepin County Medical Center and rural hospitals could face severe financial harm or closure. Supporters also said pharmaceutical companies had spent heavily on media and lobbying to oppose the bill and that the Senate’s bipartisan vote showed the issue had broad support.
Several speakers described how 340B revenue is used to sustain hospital services, including addiction treatment, trauma care, and other essential care in vulnerable communities. They said the program was designed to let hospitals buy drugs at low cost and bill insurers at standard rates, using the difference as a funding stream. When asked about claims that hospitals made large sums from the program, supporters said that was consistent with the program’s purpose. They also said some drug companies were not complying with 340B obligations, particularly around contract pharmacies, and that enforcement language was needed to ensure compliance.
The discussion also addressed HCMC’s financial situation, with speakers saying 340B funding is not a full solution but is an important support and should not be reduced further. They rejected a proposed transparency/reporting amendment as too burdensome, while noting that federal authorities already have audit power over 340B dollars. The speakers urged the House to pass the same language, said eight Republicans joined the Senate vote, and expressed hope that the bill would advance despite concerns about House support and ongoing pharmaceutical industry opposition.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Rural Issues Apr 1st, 2026
Special Committee on Rural Issues
Transcript Highlights:
- county commission, you know, either they have a standalone rule or they get to a point like the physician
- But one thing I noticed here, it says that the commission may appoint a duly licensed qualified physician
- Many of our counties don't have a physician practicing in the county.
- those are the reason why there's two is because there's some counties that do have a fully licensed physician
Committee:
House Special Committee on Rural Issues
Summary:
The Special Committee on Rural Issues met with a quorum and heard testimony on several measures focused on agriculture, broadband, public health administration, and utility eminent domain. Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1383, sponsored by Senator Barbara Washington, would expand a DESE agricultural education pilot program from 20 schools to allow voluntary K-12 agriculture curriculum statewide. Washington said the bill builds on a successful pilot and is intended to help students understand agriculture as a STEM field and broader community issue. Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri N.A., Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, and Missouri Pork Association all testified in support; there was no opposition, and the hearing closed without a vote.
The committee also heard House Concurrent Resolution 38 from Representative Louis Riggs, which urges that Missouri’s broadband funding remain in the state and be used for deployment. Riggs said Missouri received $1.7 billion in broadband funding but that more than half had been cut or left uncertain, and he argued the money should stay in Missouri to bridge the digital divide. Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Electric Cooperatives supported the resolution, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 1699 from Representative Maisie Christensen, a constituent-driven bill to clarify when county health officers/directors’ authority ends if they are not reappointed. Christensen explained the bill addresses ambiguity in older statutes governing different county public health structures; no witnesses testified for or against the bill.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2169 from Representative Brad Pollitt, which would bar electrical corporations from using eminent domain for wind or solar generation facilities while still allowing grid connection. Pollitt and Farm Bureau argued the bill closes a loophole and protects landowners from having property taken for large renewable projects; Missouri Soybean Association and Missouri Corn Growers Association also supported the measure. Ameren testified for informational purposes only, saying it has no plans to use eminent domain for wind or solar and appreciates the grid-connection language. Several members debated whether the bill should also address nuclear energy or broader utility siting concerns, and one witness noted transmission and battery-storage limitations as reasons renewable projects are not built everywhere. The hearing on HB 2169 closed with no vote taken.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Rural Issues Apr 1st, 2026
Special Committee on Rural Issues
Transcript Highlights:
- county commission, you know, either they have a standalone rule or they get to a point like the physician
- But one thing I noticed here, it says that the commission may appoint a duly licensed qualified physician
- Many of our counties don't have a physician practicing in the county.
- those are the reason why there's two is because there's some counties that do have a fully licensed physician
Committee:
House Special Committee on Rural Issues
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, colleagues, the Maryland Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons welcomes you to get your eyes checked
- <00:17:05.160><c> Society</c><00:17:05.720><c> of</c><00:17:05.959><c> Eye</c><00:17:06.120><c> Physicians
- </c> the Maryland Society of Eye Physicians the Maryland Society of Eye Physicians and<00:17:06.839><
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 16, 2026 - PM
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- 13, it would be number two: The pregnancy is a result of rape or incest, in which case a licensed physician
- rape or incest in which case a result of rape or incest in which case a licensed<00:12:16.720><c> physician
- </c><00:12:17.120><c> may</c><00:12:17.360><c> terminate</c><00:12:17.760><c> the</c> licensed physician
- may terminate the licensed physician may terminate the pregnancy<00:12:18.880><c> provided</c><00:12
Committee:
House Labor, Health & Social Services
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Feb 12th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Licensed physicians and nurses must complete a one-time, two-hour board-approved continuing education
- Licensed physicians and nurses must complete a one-time, two-hour board-approved continuing education
- Finally, the bill changes that physicians prescribing psychotropic medication to Medicaid children must
- Finally, the bill changes that physicians prescribing psychotropic medication to Medicaid children must
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the law for PCCA services, where it says it must be ordered by a physician and considered.
- This is the law for PCCA services, where it says it must be ordered by a physician and consistent with
- If a physician determines a member's condition requires skilled nursing, i.e., vent care, wound management
- PCCA services should not apply when a physician explicitly certifies tasks are within a caregiver's training
Summary:
The House Health Care and Wellness Committee met at policy cutoff and first took up executive session on four bills. It considered a proposed substitute for HB 1589 on health carrier contracting practices, which would require carriers to provide providers advance notice and clean copies of contract changes and payment methodologies, and would also add notice requirements for significant payer contract modifications. The committee also considered HB 2402 on phthalates in IV solution containers and tubing, with a substitute delaying implementation dates and creating shortage and FDA-related exemptions. HB 2555, concerning Medicaid coverage of traditional health care practices, and HB 2685, concerning tribal data and disease reporting to tribal health jurisdictions, were also before the committee. HB 2599 was deferred. The committee reported HB 1589, HB 2402, HB 2555, and HB 2685 out of committee with do pass recommendations, with recorded votes showing some members voting no or no without recommendation on the more contested bills.
The committee then held a work session on private duty nursing in the Medically Intensive Children’s Program. Health Care Authority and DSHS staff described how the program serves children with complex medical needs through managed care and fee-for-service pathways, the role of prior authorization and medical necessity review, and the ongoing shortage of nursing staff. They said many approved hours are not filled, especially in rural areas, and that family members often provide unpaid care to fill gaps. Committee members asked about the structure of the children’s and adult PDN programs and about how many authorized hours are actually being served.
The committee also heard testimony from a home care agency representative and a parent caregiver, both of whom described severe staffing shortages and the burden on families when nursing shifts go unfilled. They supported models that would allow trusted family caregivers to be paid for some of the skilled care they already provide. The committee then heard examples from Montana and Massachusetts of similar family caregiver or complex care assistant programs. Montana described its pediatric complex care assistant model as a gap-filling service with prior authorization and a set hourly rate, while Massachusetts outlined its complex care assistant program, including training, supervision, wage pass-through requirements, and early growth in participation. The meeting concluded after the work session.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Military and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We understand that for K through 12, it lets physicians assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives
- understand that for K through 12, it understand that for K through 12, it lets<00:21:38.080><c> physicians
- </c><00:21:38.559><c> assistants,</c><00:21:39.120><c> nurse</c> lets physicians assistants, nurse lets
- physicians assistants, nurse practitioners, practitioners, practitioners, uh,<00:21:41.440><c> nurse
Committee:
House Military and Veterans Affairs
Keywords:
education, patriotism, national anthem, Star-Spangled Banner, K-12 schools, constitutional amendment, public works, sealed bids, bidding requirements, procurement, public notice, newspaper advertisement, advertising failure, publisher liability, civil damages, criminal liability, awarding authority, county government, municipal government, construction contracts
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 8 (1-15-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 412, an act relating to physician continuing medical education.
- c><00:19:07.760><c> to</c> House Bill 412, an act relating to House Bill 412, an act relating to physician
- <00:19:08.400><c> continuing</c><00:19:08.880><c> med</c><00:19:09.280><c> medical</c> physician continuing
- med medical physician continuing med medical education.<00:19:10.799><c> Representative</c><00:19:11.280
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- the qualifying illness for heart and lung would require a documented case where you visited your physician
- However, since you didn't have a quote unquote qualifying event where you saw a physician while you were
- line of duty of their service that if they've been having cardiac issues, they've been to their physician
- issues, they've been to their physician and sought out some documented medical help.
Committee:
House Ways and Means General Fund
Keywords:
firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- In certain facilities and physicians are temporarily detained a person with mental illness or for the
- Public Education, HB 1685 by Oliverson, relating to the licensing regulation of physical graduates, physician
- graduates, and the authority of an insurer to select a physician graduate under the insurer's health
- Jurisprudence. 1687 by Oliverson relating to the out-of-pocket expense credits for payments made directly by physician
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (03/05/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Would you be willing to add primary care physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner?
- It’s on page two, line 23, and after primary care physician put comma, physician assistant, comma, or
- , physician assistant, or nurse practitioner’s agreement that the application no longer meets level of
- It’s on page two, line 23, and after primary care physician put comma, physician assistant, or nurse
- </c><01:03:07.160><c> has</c><01:03:07.440><c> increased</c> nursing and and Physicians has increased
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (04/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So we don't have a physician investigator currently. Okay.
- </c> parallegal and an off schedule physician parallegal and an off schedule physician investigator<00
- So we don't have a physician statement.
- </c><02:41:40.240><c> to</c><02:41:40.560><c> physicians</c> practitioners physicians to physicians practitioners
- physicians to physicians assistants<02:41:41.680><c> EMTs</c><02:41:42.240><c> to</c><02:41:42.479><
Summary:
The committee discussed House Bill 185, which would amend RSA 3109 to add timelines for OPLC’s complaint review and investigation process. Members reviewed the existing five-year limitation period for misconduct complaints and noted that the bill would add a 30-day deadline for the office to make a recommendation to the board and a 90-day deadline to complete investigations. Some members raised concerns that the new deadlines could conflict with the existing statute of limitations, create pressure to dismiss cases too quickly, and potentially undermine the separation between OPLC’s investigative role and the boards’ adjudicatory role established by House Bill 655.
Nicholas Fry, OPLC general counsel, testified that the agency’s fiscal note originally assumed it would need roughly double its staff to meet the proposed deadlines, though a later amendment reduced that estimate somewhat. He said OPLC would still need additional personnel, including investigatory paralegals and a physician investigator for the Board of Medicine, to meet the timeframes. He also explained OPLC’s current complaint and hearing procedures, including new consumer-friendly correspondence, website guidance, and efforts by the enforcement division to improve transparency and communication with complainants and licensees.
Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors testified in support of the bill’s basic goal of speeding up intake and investigation, saying the 30-day intake/review period was reasonable and that the bill would not change OPLC’s role in that first step. He argued, however, that the investigation step is where delays occur, especially for lower-priority complaints, and that some cases have remained unresolved for years. Committee members also questioned how the added staffing costs would be paid, with discussion of whether they would come from license fees or the general fund. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- home environment, including scheduled follow-up appointments with a psychiatrist and a primary care physician
- medications, to provide for requirements for certain generic medications prescribed by a qualified physician
- that are not opioids do not require prior authorizations when they are issued by a board-certified physician
- So it's one of those situations where the physicians are extremely aware and confident in when those
- support from Berkeley Durban, Medicine Louisiana; Sherry Buffington, Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians
Committee:
House Insurance
Summary:
The House Insurance Committee met on April 15 and first considered HB 909, which would require commercial health insurance coverage for behavioral health crisis services. Representative Spell and Office of Behavioral Health interim assistant secretary Dr. Holly Howitt described the Louisiana crisis response system, the goal of reducing emergency room and 911 use, and the need to expand provider participation beyond Medicaid. A technical amendment and a stakeholder-driven amendment allowing insurers to require documentation of crisis, medical necessity, and follow-up plan were adopted, and the bill was reported as amended with support cards from several health care and local government entities.
The committee then advanced HB 1151, which changes investment limits for domestic insurers, especially life insurers, by capping equity holdings and aligning the rules with solvency concerns. After questions about whether the bill would increase profits at consumers’ expense, the author and Department of Insurance staff explained it was intended to provide guardrails and keep insurers solvent; the bill was reported favorably. HB 1154, dealing with prior authorization for certain generic medications, also received technical and substantive amendments. The bill would generally eliminate prior authorization for non-opioid generics, with a $250 wholesale acquisition cost cap and physician-specialty exceptions; it was reported as amended after support testimony from the Louisiana Dermatological Society and other health groups.
HB 869, which sought coverage for injectable drugs used for glucose control or weight loss, prompted extended debate over cost, obesity, and long-term savings. Several members raised concerns about premium increases and the large fiscal note, while the author argued the bill was preventive and could save money over time. Representative Jordan proposed a 25% coverage amendment, but the committee declined to take up the substantive amendment that day, and the bill was voluntarily deferred to the next meeting. Later, the committee reported HB 1196 favorably, clarifying that screening colonoscopies remain screening even if polyps are found, and HB 1176 favorably, restoring Medicare Advantage coverage for certain integrative cancer care services.
The committee also heard HB 771, which would have changed Medicare coordination rules for retirees who return to state employment, but staff explained the issue is governed by federal CMS rules and preemption concerns; the bill was voluntarily deferred so the author could review the governing law. HB 751, dealing with term life insurance disclosures, was likewise voluntarily deferred after the author said more work was needed and noted concerns about existing law and consumer understanding. At the end of the meeting, the committee also deferred HB 920 and HB 1199 to the following week and briefly stood at ease before moving on to other business.