Legislative Report
Prepared by: 1816 Public Affairs Group
Report created on March 28, 2024
 
HB1001ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY; COVID-19 IMMUNIZATIONS. (LEHMAN M) Allows the secretary of family and social services (secretary) to issue a waiver of human services statutory provisions and administrative rules if the secretary determines that the waiver is necessary to claim certain enhanced federal matching funds available to the Medicaid program. Allows the secretary to issue an emergency declaration for purposes of participating in specified authorized federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotments. Requires the secretary to prepare and submit any waivers or emergency declarations to the budget committee. Allows the state health commissioner of the state department of health or the commissioner's designated public health authority to issue standing orders, prescriptions, or protocols to administer or dispense certain immunizations for individuals who are at least five years old (current law limits the age for the commissioner's issuance of standing orders, prescriptions, and protocols for individuals who are at least 11 years old). Defines "Indiana governmental entity" and specifies that an Indiana governmental entity (current law refers to a state or local unit) may not issue or require an immunization passport. Provides that an individual is not disqualified from unemployment benefits if the individual has complied with the requirements for seeking an exemption from an employer's COVID-19 immunization requirements and was discharged from employment for failing or refusing to receive an immunization against COVID-19. Provides that an employer may not impose a requirement that employees receive an immunization against COVID-19 unless the employer provides individual exemptions that allow an employee to opt out of the requirement on the basis of medical reasons, religious reasons, or immunity from COVID-19 acquired from a prior infection with COVID-19.
 Current Status:   3/3/2022 - Public Law 1
 Recent Status:   3/3/2022 - Signed by the Governor
3/3/2022 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   HB1001
 
HB1169HEALTH MATTERS. (CLERE E) Prohibits certain health insurance plans from requiring authorization for covered early intervention services under an individualized family service plan signed by an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or a physician assistant (PA). Changes the composition and duties of the division of disability and rehabilitative services advisory council. Repeals and relocates laws concerning: (1) rules regulating the sanitary operation of tattoo parlors and body piercing facilities; (2) allowing the executive board of the state department of health (board) to adopt rules on behalf of the state department of health (department); (3) allowing the board to adopt emergency rules; (4) sanitation of public buildings and institutions; and (5) authority to adopt rules concerning the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. Repeals laws concerning: (1) safety guidelines for children during bad weather conditions; (2) automated external defibrillator rules in health clubs; (3) requiring the state health commissioner (commissioner) to comment on certain rules; (4) fees for serological tests; (5) the administrative unit for special institutions; (6) protection and regulation of department property; and (7) the registry of blind persons. Removes intemperance as a reason to remove a local health officer. Specifies that the department may request the office of administrative law proceedings to designate a person to administer a proceeding. Requires the department to provide facilities and disseminate information to the public concerning oral public health. Allows the department to have a designee to maintain a 24 hour poisons answering service. Adds information on prenatal care to the department's telephone information service concerning children with long term health care needs. Changes the reference from "illegal drug use" to "substance abuse disorder" for purposes of partnership and joint ventures with the department. Requires the department to employ a licensed physician as the chief medical officer. Allows the chief medical officer to perform the functions of the commissioner when the commissioner is not available. Specifies that the state health laboratory (laboratory) must be used to support public health. Changes the title of the person who manages the laboratory. Removes certain requirements concerning the appointment of the laboratory director and chemist. Removes a requirement that a director must report to the commissioner. Requires holders of a certificate of public advantage to pay for reasonable charges incurred by the department. Provides that home health agencies may enter into cooperative agreements to carry out the following activities for the Hoosier Care Connect program: (1) To form and operate, either directly or indirectly, one or more networks of home health agencies to arrange for the provision of health care services through such networks. (2) To contract, either directly or through such networks, with the office of the secretary of family and social services, or the office's contractors, to provide: (A) services to Medicaid beneficiaries; and (B) health care services in an efficient and cost effective manner on a prepaid, capitation, or other reimbursement basis. (3) To undertake other managed health care activities. Provides that a home health agency may authorize an association, corporation, or other person to undertake or effectuate any of these activities. Requires the secretary of family and social services to oversee and supervise these activities. Changes the requirement that the department "shall" to "may" use information compiled by a public or private entity to the greatest extent possible to develop a chronic disease registry. Allows the department to issue a certificate of free sale to a business that meets certain requirements. Amends the definition of "person" for purposes of the state health improvement plan and grant program. Amends the definition of "deaf or hard of hearing" for purposes of the laws governing language development for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Changes the membership on the Indiana board of pharmacy. Removes the requirement that a qualifying pharmacist is responsible for the legal operations of a pharmacy. Amends references to certain pharmacy school accreditation organizations. Specifies responsibilities of pharmacists concerning duties previously responsible by a qualifying pharmacist. Allows a qualified pharmacy technician to administer immunizations delegated by the pharmacist. (Current law allows pharmacy technicians to administer influenza and coronavirus disease immunizations.) Amends requirements for remote pharmacies. Adds an exception to the definition of "wholesale distribution" for prescription drugs. Authorizes an APRN to sign an order or referral for physical therapy. Requires a health insurance plan to provide coverage for diabetes self-management training ordered by an APRN or PA. Provides that a county coroner may not certify the cause of death for certain infants as a sudden unexplained infant death until a comprehensive death investigation is performed. Makes conforming changes.
 Current Status:   3/15/2022 - Public Law 143
 Recent Status:   3/15/2022 - Signed by the Governor
3/15/2022 - Signed by the President of the Senate
 State Bill Page:   HB1169
 
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