OAFP Members,

Things have started to slow down just a bit now that committees have finished the first round of work and the legislature is expected to take a few days off this coming week for spring break.

Floor action started in earnest this week as legislators work their way toward the first floor deadline, which is March 24. Legislators must have their bills passed off the floors of the house of origin by that date or the bills will be dead.

Highlights of the past week:

• Newborn screenings – SB1464 passed the Senate floor. The measure would require that to the extent practicable, the list of newborn screenings be identical to the recommendations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• HB3504, which would require health plans to cover the cost of diagnostic mammograms, passed the House floor.
• The author of a concerning vaccine measure, HB3159, which would have repealed the section of law that prohibits children with contagious diseases from attending school, filed amendment to make the measure apply only to head lice after the coalition expressed concern. We will be sure to watch the measure to make sure the amendment passes.
• Legislators dropped language into a budget bill HB4450 this week to direct federal money to the PMTC to address health care work force shortages and to change the PMTC’s name to Health Care Workforce Training Commission. The measure awaits a floor hearing.

Things to expect in the next two weeks:

• Medical power of attorney – The two measures, SB1596 and HB3815, are scheduled to be heard on the Senate and House floors, respectively.
• HB3224, which would require that newborn screening evaluations be done within 48 hours of being collected, should be heard on the House floor.
• Anti-vaccine measures – We are continuing to watch for anti-vaccine measures scheduled for floor hearings.

As always, please let us know if you have questions and thank you for your involvement.

Dawn Watson | OAFP Legislative Consultant