LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION
A communication of the Iowa Nurses Association
Volume 4, Number 32 April 12, 2002

Legislative Efforts on Nursing Issues by INA Staff

In the last few days of the session, INA staff has been working long hours at the Capitol to:

1. Increase funding to the Board of Nursing by $181,000 in the Omnibus Appropriations bill and the Salary bill. Efforts have failed to date. Rep. Alons (R-Hull) has stated we could start on restoring funds next year.

2. Pass the College Aid Commission program for Registered Nurses. Legislators have expanded the loan payment forgiveness program to include urban underserved areas. Legislators (especially Sen. Bolkcom (D-Iowa City) and Rep. Mascher (D-Iowa City) are hoping to find some money to fund the program with state dollars as well.

3. Obtain legislative direction to have ARNPs recognized as primary care providers under the Medicaid managed care program. The Department of Human Services has stated that legislators must make that statement. Rep Heaton (R-Mt Pleasant), chair of the Human Services Appropriations Committee has made a commitment to review this summer and see about payment without making policy changes.

4. Pass Mental Health parity language. While SF 2322 sits on the Senate Calendar after adoption of the Fiegan/Lundby amendment (the language of SF 2289) for more comprehensive coverage; the House Democrats have tried to amend the Omnibus Appropriations bill, the Insurance Premium Tax bill and the Salary bill with the same language or variations. Rep Grundberg (R-Des Moines) offered four different versions to the Salary bill. She withdrew three versions and one version ruled non-germane. Rep Pam Jochum (D-Dubuque) had her amendment to an amendment pass 68-22, but then was ruled non-germane to the Salary bill. This means that both chambers have had a majority vote on the original language of SF 2289 which included anxiety disorders, ADHD, Disorders of childhood and adolescence not included in other bills, coexisting substance abuse and state studies. But leadership in the House and Senate have not allowed for either chamber to pass the comprehensive language.

5. Support passage of the repeal of Birth Center licensure in Iowa Code 135G to assist certified nurse midwives to provide an alternative setting for the birthing of babies.

6. Monitor the IPERS conference committee.

7. Monitor the cloning bill.
To call your representative: 515/281-3221; to call your senator 515/281-3371. Find your legislator's email by going to http://www.legis.state.ia.us "Find Your Legislator" by typing in your home address.

The deal proposed by the House Republicans, and amended onto HF 2623 SALARY BILL includes an additional $45 million into the Governor's priority areas. Rep. Rants said that after determining what the Governor's priorities this session are, the Republicans worked to find additional resources to help bring the session to an end.
Speaker Siegrist said that while the Legislature has not met the Governor halfway, they have made a significant increase in spending from their original budget proposal.
· Additional Revenue: $35 million
Underground Storage Tank Fund - $20 million
Insurance Premium Tax (from SF 2318 as amended) - $10 million
Unobligated Wagering Tax (from RIIF) - $5 million
· Spending Cuts: $10.95 million
Medicaid - $3.7 million
Regents - $5 million
Phase III (Educational Excellence) - $2.25 million
· Spending Increases: $45.95 million
Teacher Compensation - $32.25 million (total of $40 million)
Salary Bill - $11.1 million (total of $41.1 million)
HAWK-I - $1.5 million (total of $11.7 million)
Community Colleges - $1 million
Secretary of State - $100,000
Governor Vilsack said that he was encouraged by the new proposal but he said that it did not fully meet his concerns. He said that school technology; educational excellence and higher education all need additional resources. He said that the proposal is a positive step but that legislators "are not done yet."

ACTIVE BILLS
1. Safeguarding the Board of Nursing (Support): Appropriations chairs Lamberti and Millage stated they are reluctant to allow for fee increases in the Appropriations bill. As a result Board of Nursing will suffer a further reduction in staff and services. A request was made to increase the Board of Nursing by $181,000 to assure that they receive 90% of fees generated. After two rounds of budget cuts, the Board of Nursing is funded at 78% of fees collected. Democrats have offered amendments in the Senate and House to the Omnibus Appropriations bill and the Salary bill, but those amendments failed.

2. Award Funds through the Iowa College Aid Commission (Support): SF 2323 was passed by the Senate. The House amended the bill to . Legislators are discussing whether there are any state funds to fund this year. House File 2036 is different version with $500,000 from tobacco monies and remains in House Appropriations Committee.

3. Mental Health Parity (Support): In a surprise vote March 28, the Senate adopted an amendment to SF 2322 restore the language previously seen in SF 2289 which was a mandate for mental health parity with co-morbid substance abuse, broader coverage for children and adolescents and studies of the system in Iowa and rejecting tax credits that could total $7 million and weaker language. On April 9 efforts were made to amend the Omnibus Appropriations bill and the Premium tax bills unsuccessfully. On April 11, Rep. Grundberg offered four versions of parity; withdrew three and had one ruled non-germane. Rep Jochum offered two amendments and on a technical maneuver got a vote of 68-22 on the current language of SF 2322 (same as SF 2289), but was ruled non-germane. The Governor is saying he wants a mental health parity bill before signing the Insurance Premium tax reduction bill, SF 2318. Employer groups and the insurance industry continue to oppose.

4. ARNPs as Medicaid Primary Care Providers (Support): HF 2382 died in the funnel. Several attempts have been made to include such language in several appropriations bills. Rep. David Heaton (R-Mt Pleasant) has stated that he will work to sit down and discuss the issue this summer with the Department and the various interested parties.

5. IPERS (Support): HF 2532 has been resolved by the conference committee that IPERS retirees earn $30,000 from an IPERS employer before the reduction of benefits. ( $25,000 for the Senate and $40,000 for the House).

6. Department of Public Health Bill: HF 2547 was amended to leave disciplinary fees established by licensing boards at $75 Bill has gone to the Governor.

7. School Nurses Recognized in Teacher Pay Plan (Support): HF 2549 Student Achievement and Teacher Quality Plan in Section 19 includes language for a study of inclusion of school nurses in the teacher pay plan. The bill is continuing to proceed through the process.

8. Organ Donor Network (Support): SF 2195 was signed by the Governor.

9. Birth Centers (Support): SF 390 now included in SF 2325; a state agency reorganization bill.

10. Cloning/Stem Cell Research (Monitor) SF 2118: House adopted an amendment to allow research on embryos not used in in-vitro fertilization on a vote of 50-47. Rep Rants said that he did not believe that SF 2118 would come back up for debate this year.

11. Funding the Fiscal Year 2003 Budget: SF 2326 is the Omnibus Budget bill for state agencies and the judicial branch. Funding was reduced for Elderly Wellness and the Board of Nursing is still insufficiently funded.

NO LONGER ACTIVE THIS SESSION
12. Assure Collection of Nursing Workforce Data (Support): HF 2211, SF 2132. Bills not recommended.
13. Assure Accountability in Patient Care (Support): Bills not recommended.
14. Mandatory Overtime (Support): SF 2127 similar to ANA model language and bill passed in New Jersey, Maine, Oregon, Minnesota and Washington State. Bill not recommended.
15. ARNPs Sign Death Certificate (Support): HF 2222 failed to come out of committee.
16. Child Drug Treatment: HF 2318 died in the second funnel.
17. HIV Transmission (Oppose): SSB 3078 and HF 2283 would allow individual names to be transmitted over radio-based communications systems. Failed to come out of committee.

1. Medicaid Shortfall Funding (Support): HF 2245 passed and sent to Governor. Governor signed and itemed vetoed sections of the bill.
2. Funding the Fiscal Year 2002 Budget: Senate File 2304 was signed by the Governor on March 1. The $120 million FY02 shortfall was funded in part by using the Cash Reserve Funds (Rainy Day funds). The Elderly Wellness portion of the Dept of Public Health budget (funds elderly wellness clinics, local public health nursing and homemaker aides) will be cut by $101,000 in FY 02 and FY 03. Medicaid was protected from cuts. State employees will be furloughed.
3. HF 2340 Well Being Visits- Authorizes the DHS to conduct well-being visits to families which have lost their cash assistance under FIP, if funding is available, on an optional basis. Effective immediately.
4. HF 2345 Violence Against Women- Allows the Department of Justice, Victim Assistance Program to administer the Violence Against Women program and grants from the federal Violence Against Women Act.
5. HF 2487 Children's Hospital- Directs the DHS to designate a children's hospital meeting the criteria for a voting member of the National Association Of Children's Hospitals And Related Institutions as qualifying member for the receipt of disproportionate share hospital payments under Medicaid. Directs the DHS to seek a waiver.
6. SF 374 Optometry Treatments- Modifying the qualifications and authorization of therapeutically certified optometrists engaged in the practice of optometry. Allows therapeutically certified optometrist to use all diagnostic and therapeutic agents for the treatment of the eye or adnexa and to prescribe steroids for up to 14 days without referral to a primary care physician . Limits the use of injections except for anaphylactic shock. Allows the Optometry Board to adopt emergency rules.
7. HF 2507 Anthrax Penalties-Establishes penalties for use of anthrax.
8. HF 2075 Tobacco Settlement Repayment- Removes the time limit for repayment of Tobacco Settlement money used for the teacher pay program.
9. HF 2138 College Student Aid Waivers - Allows the College Student Aid Commission to waive or to modify statutory or regulatory provisions if the President declares a national emergency due to a terrorist attack. Retroactive to September 11, 2001.
10. SF 2167 Health Insurance Administration Fund - Establishes the Health Insurance Administration fund in the Treasurer's office to pay health insurance administration costs. Establishes a management surcharge. Contains related provisions.
11. SF 2231 Hospital Checks - Authorizes hospitals to have access to the abuse registries for the purpose of employment checks. Allows a hospital to establish a single contact repository.
12. SF 2260 AEA Reorganization - Makes changes in the procedures and deadlines for reorganizing or dissolving an Area Education Agency.
13. HF 2488 Elder Affairs Changes- Updates Elder Iowans Act to conform with federal names. Changes references as necessary.
14. HF 2075 Tobacco Settlement Repayment- Removes the time limit for repayment of Tobacco Settlement money used for the teacher pay program. Requires that after the Economic Emergency Fund is filled that remaining funds be used to repay the Senior Living Trust fund and the health fund in the Tobacco Settlement trust.
15. HF 2582 Federal Block Grants-Appropriates federal Block Grants for various programs. Includes procedures for adjusting the grants if the grant amounts increase or decrease.
16. HF 2547 Public Health Programs-Makes various changes to certain programs and public health issues.
17. HF 2201 Felon DNA Profile - Requires all felons submit a DNA sample and persons convicted of an aggravated misdemeanor for a sex crime.
18. HF 2538 Campaign Finance - Raises certain reporting thresholds to $750 and makes other changes.
19. HF 2552 Child Abuse Interviews- Requires a child abuse assessment interview be offered to a person to explain or rebut allegations made before the determination or assessment.
20. SF 2155 Out of Hospital-Do Not Resuscitate- Directs the Department of Public Health to develop a standard form and a personal identifier for Do Not Resuscitate orders outside of a hospital setting. Includes definitions and establishes the scope and content of the order. Makes it a serious misdemeanor to destroy or to conceal such orders.
21. SF 2195 Organ Donations- Includes an organ donation statement on a driver's license and an entry in a donor registry as a document of gift for organ donation purposes. Makes a document of gift that is not revoked sufficient authority for an organ donation. Defines the donor registry. Allows medical examiners, fire fighters, police officers and EMS workers to release information to organ procurement organizations. Grants them immunity from liability for good faith attempts to comply with the organ donation laws. Includes funeral directors and establishments in the immunity from liability for good faith attempts to comply with the organ donation laws.
22. HF 2507 Anthrax Penalties- Makes the knowing possession of anthrax a Class C felony and the distribution of anthrax a Class B felony. Makes an exception for persons who have anthrax for reasons authorized under federal law.
23. HF 2453 Death and Medical Examiners- Increases form one to three days the time by which a death must be certified. Increases from one to three days the time a medical examiner has to determine cause of death. Eliminates religious exception for cremation permit and raises the fee for a cremation permit from $35 to $75. Allows medical examiners to perform private autopsies for a fee so long as they don't compete with autopsy services.

HF 2264 INFORMED CONSENT - Requires that women be given specific information, to be developed by the DPH, on alternatives by a doctor before an abortion can be performed. Establishes exceptions for emergencies. Establishes criminal penalties. Effective October 2003.

SF 2325 DEPARTMENT RE-ORGANIZATION DIA: Eliminates the Audits Division. Makes changes to the Inspections Division and gives the DIA director the responsibility over social and charitable gaming. Makes other changes. Child Services: Transfers the CASA (Court-appointed special advocate) program into DIA. Adds additional powers and confidentiality duties to the program. Directs the Child advocacy State Board and the Foster Care Review Board to work with CASA to merge that program with the Citizen Foster Care Review process. Requires the Advocacy Board to report on out-of-home placements of children and juvenile courts by December 16, 2002. Renames the State Citizen Foster Care Review Board the Child Advocacy Board. Increases the number of members on the board to 9. DNR: Reorganizes the administrative structure of the DNR. Strikes the current structure and allows the director of the DNR to establish new divisions. Transfers authority over rural water supplies to the DPH. Oversight Committee: Places the Oversight Committee in with the other Legislative Council. Directs the committee to perform annual reviews of judicial and executive agencies. Keeps the training, promotion and other matters related to administrative law judges in the DIA. Allows the DNR to adopt rules allowing cities to conduct controlled burns of a demolished building. Requires the DNR to cooperate with the DED on a task force on the study of the disposal of waste materials from demolished buildings. Strikes Code references to birth centers. centers.
Amended to require DNR to develop a strategy for recycling electronic trash and dealing with toxic products from electronic trash and to require certificate of need for birth centers. The House PASSED the Bill, as amended, 98-0; The Senate CONCURRED and PASSED the Bill 27-20; it goes to the Governor.

SF 2318 INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX - Reduces the insurance premium tax from 2% to 1% over the next four years. Makes adjustments in estimated payment to keep the taxes revenue-neutral until 2007.
S-5475 by the House - Accelerates the estimated premium tax payments to the state by $10 million in the first year.
S-5496 by Fiegen, et al - Requires insurance companies to offer mental health coverage and to encourage venture capital investment. RULED NOT GERMANE
The Senate PASSED the Bill, 32-16; it now goes to the Governor

SF 2190 WORKERS COMPENSATION - Keeps records which could identify an injured employee, or the employee's dependent, confidential. Includes exempt household and agricultural workers under workers' compensation if those workers are covered by a workers' comp insurance policy. Establishes new subrogation procedures and allows an employer to subrogate the recovery of an injured employee. Prohibits health care providers from seeking payment for fees from employers when the provider and the insurance company are disputing the fee. Prohibits debt collection against an employer during a contested case proceeding. Defines a day of incapacity to mean eight hours and allows those hours to be collected over more than three days. Prohibits insurance plans from denying benefits to an employee because of a dispute over the employer's liability. Eliminates the requirement to present a certified copy of a decision in order to enforce it. Allows the Workers Compensation Commissioner to require employers to submit proof of liability insurance.
S-5272 by the House - Strikes the language requiring that the employer pay the doctor's bills for an injured employee who saw the doctor selected by the employer. Reduces an employer's workers compensation liability in cases of permanent partial disability if a portion of that disability was preexisting and was not due to a work related injury under the same employer. Reduces an employer's permanent partial disability liability to the degree that the worker has already been paid under workers compensation. Exempts injuries received while in the military from reducing a future worker's comp claim. Exempts from apportionment congenital injuries manifested and apparent at birth. Directs that no employee be forced to pay back money paid in compensation for either a subsequent functional loss or industrial disability from an injury resulting in permanent partial disability where the finding is less than the amount of the earlier compensation paid. Limits the settlement credit to the amount that represents the amount of impairment suffered by the employee. Senate concurred and passed; it now goes to the Governor.

SF 2280 MEDICAID PAYMENTS - Requires the DHS to implement specific recommendations from the rehabilitative services provider regulation and continuous quality improvement work group. Requires the DHS to determine that the recommendation can be implemented without further cost and to receive approval from the federal Center for Medicaid Services. Lists the recommendations that should be adopted, if the cost and federal approval requirements are met by January 2003.
S-5407 by the House - Strike and replace. Allows the DHS to adopt emergency rules on specific recommendations from the rehabilitative services provider regulation and continuous quality improvement group. Directs the DHS to revise provider requirements.
The Senate PASSED the Bill, as amended, 50-0; it now goes to the Governor

SF 2317 TOBACCO SETTLEMENT-Implements provisions in the Master Tobacco Settlement. Requires that a tobacco manufacturer be part of the master settlement in order for a tobacco distributor to distribute brands from that manufacturer. Requires manufacturers to certify compliance with the master settlement. Authorizes the Attorney General and the Department of Revenue & Finance to share information for compliance purposes. Requires a tobacco manufacturer to maintain a registered agent in the state in order to make sales in the state.
The House PASSED the Bill, 97-0; it now goes to the Governor

HF 2613 SENIOR LIVING APPROPRIATIONS - Appropriates $58.2 million from the Senior Living Trust Fund to the Departments of Elder Affairs and Human Services. Elder Affairs, Senior Living Program: $6.6 million. Human Services, Total: $51.7 million; Long Term Care Provider: $29.95 million; Nurse Facility Conversion: $0; Long Term Care Alternative Services: $21.7 million; Hospital Trust Fund: $12 million. Allows DHS to decide how to distribute nursing home inflation funding. H-8580 by the Senate - Technical correction.
The House CONCURRED & PASSED the Bill, as amended, 74-20; it now goes to the Governor.

SF 2323 REGISTERED NURSE PROGRAM - Creates a registered nurse recruitment calendar to be administered by the College Student Aid Commission. Creates a forgivable loan program, a tuition scholarship program, and a registered nurse loan repayment. Contains other related provisions.
H-8527 by committee- H-8547 to H-8527 by Drake & Mascher - Makes full or part time students eligible for the program. ADOPTED H-8527, as amended. ADOPTED
H-8555 by Mascher - Appropriates $99,000 from the Economic Emergency Fund for the Registered Nurse Recruitment Program. FAILED
The House PASSED the Bill, as amended, 93-0; it now returns to the Senate

HF 2532 IPERS BILL Conference Committee Report - Allows a retired IPERS member to earn $30,000 from an IPERS employers before the reduction of benefits (from $25,000 for the Senate and $40,000 for the House). The House passed the conference committee report. It now returns to the Senate.

SF 2318 INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX - Reduces the insurance premium tax from 2% to 1% over the next four years. Makes adjustments in estimated payment to keep the taxes revenue-neutral until 2007.
H-8562 by Fallon - Requires revenue growth be greater than 3% for the reduction of the premium tax to take effect. FAILED
H-8624 by Hansen - Accelerates the estimated premium tax payments to the state. ADOPTED
H-8605 - WITHDRAWN ; H-8616 - OUT OF ORDER
The House PASSED the Bill, as amended, 64-32; it now returns to the Senate

SF 2326 OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS: Appropriates $2.7 billion for state agencies and judicial branch.
The House PASSED the Bill, 53-42 Motion to Reconsider filed by: Rants

HF 2430 MH DD COMMISSION - Transfers some of the duties of the state-county management committee to the MH/DD Commission. Makes changes in the commission's membership. Transfers rule-making authority to the Commission from the Council on Human Services. Changes representation on the Commission to include 3 county supervisors, 2 DHS representatives, 3 providers, 3 consumers/family members, 2 single entry point process administrators, 1 active board member of a community mental health center, 1 active member of an agency serving persons development disability, & 1 AFSCME representative.
H-8535 by the Senate - Makes one member of the commission a family member of someone living in one of the resource centers. Designates the commission to receive certain reports from the executive branch. Includes a representative provider of MH/DD services as nominated by the Iowa Association of Community Providers on the risk pool board. Includes as one commission member a person who is active in a statewide organization for persons with brain injuries. Requires the commission, in consultation with the long-term resident care advocate to submit a recommendation of the continuation of resident advocacy committees.
H-8548 to H 8535 by Carroll - Ends the terms of office for all voting members of the Mental Health And Development Disabilities Commission of November 1, 2002. Directs the Governor to appoint new voting members as required. ADOPTED
The House CONCURRED & PASSED the Bill, as amended, 96-0; it now returns to the Senate

HF 2192 INTERSTATE PRESCRIPTION DRUG STUDY - Directs the DPH, along with the DHS, DEA, DOM, and DOP, to study the feasibility of establishing an interstate prescription drug purchasing co-op with other Midwestern states. Allows the group to contact trade associations such as the Iowa insurers, the Iowa Pharmacy Association, and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
Requires the work group to report to the Legislative Council on a bi-monthly basis and report to the Legislature and Governor by December 15, 2002.
H-8326 by the Senate - Changes the agency work group to a task force and specifies that the task force shall include the DPS, the DHS, the DEA, the DOM, the DOP, the Pharmacy Examiners, the Medical Examiners, a representative of the pharmacy manufacturers, and four members of the Legislature. Allows the group to contact trade associations such as the Iowa insurers, the Iowa Pharmacy Association, and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
S-5255 by the House -Strikes the addition of a member selected by the pharmacy manufacturers and includes representatives from the Iowa Pharmacy Association and from the Iowa Medical Examiners. Changes language to allow the task force to contact state governments and other appropriate parties.
The House ADOPTED The Conference Report and PASSED the Bill 92-0

HF 2615 TOBACCO APPROPRIATION - Appropriates $65.2 from the Healthy Iowans Tobacco Trust for various health related programs. DHS: Total: $44.9 million; MEDICAL SERVICES: Non-Institutional Medical Assistance Providers: $8.0 million; Dental Providers: $3.8 million; Hospital Providers: $3.0 million; Home Health Care Providers: $2.1 million; Critical Assess Hospitals: $250,000; Home Health Daycare: $1.95 million; Respite Care Expansion: $1.1 million; CHIP Expansion: $200,000; Breast Cancer Treatment: $250,000; Medicaid Medical Assistance Supplement: $17.5 million; HIPAA Implementation: $2.1 million; CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES: Rehabilitative Treatment & Support Services COLA: $3.2 million; Adoption/Independent Living/Shelter Care COLA: $469,000. MH/MR/DD/BI: Property Tax Relief: $147,000. DOE: Empowerment: $1.2 million. DPS: Tobacco Use Prevention: $5.0 million; Substance Abuse Prevention: $10.0 million; Healthy Iowans 2010: $2.4 million; Smoking Cessation Products: $75,000; Substance Abuse Treatment: $1.1 million. DOC: Total: $610,000; District II: $127,000; District III: $35,000; District IV: $192,000; District V: $256,000. Other: Requires at least 80 percent of money appropriated for Community Partnerships be used in FY 2002.
H-8642 by the Senate
Strikes the $1.1 million funding for the substance abuse facility at Knoxville and uses the money for the special needs unit at Ft. Madison. Allows non-reverted funds to be used for substance abuse treatment. Adds a retroactive applicability date. Appropriates $200,000 for a faith-based program at the Newton prison.
H-8548 by Warnstadt- Appropriates $28,000 from the faith based program to the statewide poison center
H-8677 to 8548 by Ford-Requires the faith based program also be culturally specific. FAILED
H-8548 ADOPTED
H-8678 by Wise Takes $27,000 of the Faith-based program money for police dogs at prisons. FAILED 38-55
H-8686 by Petersen Takes the money from the faith-based treatment program for anti-smoking programs. FAILED
H-8687 by Mascher Takes the money from the faith-based treatment program for Nurse forgivable loans. FAILED
H-8689 by Mascher Increases anti-smoking funding by $4.5 million. FAILED
H-8689 by Mascher Increases anti-smoking funding by $4.5 million. FAILED
H-8665 WITHDRAWN; H-8654 H-8660 H-8672 OUT OF ORDER
The House CONCURRED with the Senate amendment, as amended and PASSED the Bill 55-37; It now returns to the Senate

HF 2623 SALARY BILL - Transfers $30 million from the Regents demutualization proceeds to the Dept of Management Salary Adjustment Fund. Returns $18 million to the Regents for salary increases. Appropriates $1.6 million from the Road Use Tax Fund and $8.6 million from the Primary Road Fund to the Salary Adjustment Fund for pay raises for employees paid out of those funds. Appropriates $3 million from the fund for judges' pay raises. Increases FY 2004 MH/MR/DD by $ 2 million. Cuts FY 2002 Public Transit Assistance by $1.1 million. Adds two staff positions to IPERS and cuts one from the Treasurer's Office. Limits enforcement cost increases for gambling enforcement to $1.3 million for boats and $420,000 for tracks. Limits ACE credits to $3,000,000 for FY 2003. Requires state agencies to take credit card payments. Lets juror notification costs come out of the Jury Witness Fee Fund. Appropriates $127,000 to DOM for a salary model
H-8659 by Millage - Appropriates $20 million from the Underground Storage Tank Fund, $10 million from the Insurance Premium tax and $5 million from Gambling Tax (Total $35 million) Cuts Regents spending by $5 million; Medicaid by $3.7 million and Phase III spending by $2.3 million. Increases HAWK-I by $1.5 million. Cuts (Total Sending cuts $ 11 million) Increases: Teacher Compensation by $32.3 million, $11.1 to salaries (Regents $ 7 million), $1 million to Community Colleges and $100,000 to the Secretary of State. ADOPTED
H-8627 by Bell Strikes language about certifying above ground storage tanks. ADOPTED
H-8664A by Millage - Technical corrections to other bills. ADOPTED
H-8636 by Murphy - Strike prohibition of the Treasurer publicizing the treasure hunt during the two months before election day. FAILED
H-8653 by Heaton- Allows foster care budget overruns in a region so long as the over-all budget is met. Covers root canals and dental anesthesia under medical assistance. Adds $90,000 to FIP. ADOPTED
H 8630 by Stevens Lets Information Technology hire full time employees using contract employment funds. FAILED
H-8621 by Mertz- Appropriates $1.3 million for Animal Agriculture staffing. ADOPTED
H-8622 by Alons- Requires appointment of an administrator of Status of African Americans Division and of the council. ADOPTED
H-8679 by Murphy - Replaces $7 million of the funds taken from the Underground Storage Tank Fund with money from the Emergency Fund. FAILED 40-52
H-8683 by Jochum Establishes Mental Health Parity for insurance coverage.
H-8684 to H-8683 by Jochum Strike after. Establishes Mental Health Parity. Adopted 68-22
H-8683 RULED NOT GERMANE - MOTION TO SUSPEND RULES FAILED 47-50
The House PASSED the Bill, as amended, 53 - 42; it now goes to the Senate.

Senate Floor Action
Governor's Appointments
En bloc
(HAWK-I) Board - Eldon Huston
· Hearing Aid Dispensers Board - Leslie Whippen
· Nursing Home Administrators Examiners -Larry Hertel
Prevention of Disabilities Policy Council - Verna Welte

SF 2118 CLONING BAN - Prohibits human cloning or knowingly doing destructive research on human embryos, or knowingly transferring a human embryo that will be subjected to destructive research. Includes both reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning. Excludes in vitro fertilization, the accompanying embryo transfer or any related diagnostic tests. Makes violations an aggravated misdemeanor. Specifically exempts stem cell research from cells that are derived outside the state.
S-5439 by the House - A Strike & Replace: Prohibits reproductive cloning of humans. Adopts definitions. Establishes civil and criminal penalties and license revocations. Sets out exemptions for in vitro fertilization; fertility drugs and for biomedical, agricultural, or scientific research. Allows for the donation of human embryos created only for the purpose of in vitro fertilization for stem cell research.
S-5441 by Redwine & Flynn - A Strike & Replace: Bans all human cloning. Adopts definitions
and establishes criminal penalties ranging from an aggravated misdemeanor to a Class "C" felony. ADOPTED
The Senate CONCURRED & PASSED the Bill, as amended, 38-8; it now goes to the House

SF 2190 WORKERS COMPENSATION - Keeps records which could identify an injured employee, or the employee's dependent, confidential. Includes exempt household and agricultural workers under workers' compensation if those workers are covered by a workers' comp insurance policy. Debate on House amendment.

HF 2613 SENIOR LIVING APPROPRIATIONS - Appropriates $58.2 million from the Senior Living Trust Fund to the Departments of Elder Affairs and Human Services. Elder Affairs, Senior Living Program: $6.6 million. Human Services, Total: $51.7 million; Long Term Care Provider: $29.95 million; Nurse Facility Conversion: $0; Long Term Care Alternative Services: $21.7 million; Hospital Trust Fund: $12 million. Allows DHS to decide how to distribute nursing home inflation funding.
S-5403 by Appropriations - Technical correction. ADOPTED
The Senate PASSED the Bill, 37-12; it now goes to the House

HF 2614 RIIF & TOBACCO SETTLEMENT APPROPRIATION
Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund (Restricted Capital Fund: $159.7 million)
The House CONCURRED with the Senate amendment, as amended and PASSED the Bill 86-7. The Senate CONCURRED and PASSED the Bill 27-20. MTR - Lamberti

BILLS INTRODUCED OF INTEREST TO NURSES

HF 2619 FREE HEALTH CLINIC CHECK-OFF (Ways & Means; Successor to HF 2352) Creates an income tax check-off to allow taxpayers to pay $3 or more into a fund for free health clinics. Authorizes the DPH to award the monies in the fund.

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