LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION
A communication of the Iowa Nurses Association
A benefit of membership
Volume 5, Number 10, March 21, 2003

Connecting with Nurses on Health Issues

INA member Rep. Linda Upmeyer (R-Garner) was the floor manager of HF 479 that allows for ARNPs to be considered primary care providers under Medicaid managed care plans. The vote was 88-9 in favor of passage. Arguments against the bill in floor debate was that family practice physicians would not be attracted to Iowa to assist in the economic growth of Iowa. The bill was messaged to the Senate for action. Thanks to all INA members who made contact with your legislator to support this measure! Medicaid Plan
Governor Vilsack and Senator Kramer held a joint news conference March 17 to announce that the workgroup on Medicaid transformation would begin meeting immediately. The group includes employees and decision makers from the executive branch, the legislative branch and support from the private sector. Lt. Governor Pederson will represent the Governor throughout the process. The group does not have a set timetable for releasing their results, although Senator Kramer said that the design of the some of the benefits packages could be done in 60 to 90 days. Governor Vilsack said that he has worked with Rep. Carroll on spending through FY 2004 and believes that they have a short-term solution.
Senator Kramer said that the plan has three goals: making more efficient and effective use of current resources, channeling those extra resources back i`nto expanded coverage and improved service and creating a sustainable policy over the long-term. She said that given that Medicaid expenditures have grown from $111 million to $269 million for prescription drug, the redesign of Medicaid must include controls on drug costs that reach the drug manufacturers. Kramer said that in the short-term some costs may increase, but she believes that the real goal of Medicaid reform should be to improve services.
Governor Vilsack said that he is pleased with the flexibility that the federal government has indicated may be given to the states. Vilsack said that much of the proposed work would currently require waivers but said that he hopes that the federal government will make significant changes to the waiver process.
Dan Fox, of the Milbank Fund, a non-profit organization which focuses on health care issues, said that Iowa is one of the leaders in Medicaid reform. He said that Iowa has the most ambitious reform plan with the broadest-based support in the country. Fox said that the state is working on the three important areas of innovation: creating an insurance-like benefit, working with providers, and taking advantage of current research.
The plan for redesigning Medicaid includes:

• Creating a state funded spending account for Medicaid families and children to encourage families to have a medical home. Use financial incentives to reward wise health care decisions.
• Establishing an insurance-like benefit package for the medically needy that emphasizes preventative care through case management.
• Developing an insurance-like benefit for seniors who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare that allows them to stay in their homes or a homelike setting. Base reimbursements on an acuity and make different payments for different levels of care.
• Moving to a provider-managed, evidence-based prescription drug program. Providers could override the program's drug of choice if they determine a different drug is better for their patient.

Speaker Rants said that " skyrocketing labor costs, including dramatically higher insurance costs for employees," would lead to layoffs. Senator Iverson said that the bill will keep binding arbitration, but needs to make a number of changes including prohibitions against taking into account the ability of governments to tax and allowing arbitrators to make comparisons with private sector employees. Iverson said that the raise in the last collective bargaining agreement far exceeds 2% when merit steps and insurance costs are factored in. Iverson said that tough economic times and rising health insurance costs are forcing many private employers to reduce the share that they pay for their employees.
Iverson said that the bill will come up for debate next week.

STATUS OF 2003 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

1. FUNDING THE BOARD OF NURSING: Appropriate funds to reflect funding of the Board of Nursing with 100% of license and renewal fees collected. (Appropriations history released; Issue Review released; HF 377 failed in the funnel; meeting with committee chair about a 90%/10% sharing plan.)

2. TOBACCO REDUCTION INITIATIVE: Pass an increase of the cigarette excise tax by $1.00 per package to reduce tobacco use by Iowa's youth and strengthen the state tobacco use prevention and control program. (HF 284; SF 144 only taxes cigarettes; HSB 284; exempt from funnel)

3. FUNDING OF NURSE RETENTION AND RECRUITMENT PROGRAM: Appropriate funding for the College Aid Commission to support registered nurses increasing their education to become nursing faculty and to support recruitment. (HF 436 introduced; exempt from funnel which recommends $500,000 from Senior Living Trust Fund)

4. MANDATORY OVERTIME: Pass legislation similar to that passed in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas and Washington State which bans or severely limits the use of mandatory overtime as a staffing measure and which is defined as being compelled or forced to work hours beyond agreed upon assignments by threat of discrimination, dismissal, licensure discipline and/or other sanctions. (SF 174 died in funnel )

5. MENTAL HEALTH PARITY: Pass legislation providing for parity in health insurance for mental health to be no different than physical health coverage, with recognition for children and adolescents including services for chemically dependent and appropriate housing for individuals with persistent mental illness. ( HF 627 )

6. ASSISTED LIVING. Pass legislation that assures that registered nurses are available and utilized to provide services at their level of education to assess and evaluate residents and participate in policy-making discussion about the tenant's choice to stay in assisted living as long as they meet the criteria for the level of care; not forcing tenants to a higher level of care by unduly restrictive state regulations. (HF 582)

Public Policy Priorities
1. Support adequate funding of Medicaid and Hawk-I program. Appropriate sufficient resources for programs that provide services to the poor. (HF 49 now HF 565, SJR 4 proposes a redesign)

2. Recognize ARNPs as Medicaid Primary Care Providers. Pass legislation that recognizes advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) as primary care providers under the Medicaid Managed Care Program which covers 85% of the Medicaid enrollees. (HF 479 and SF 166 now SF 410)

3. Medical Privacy: Pass legislation that modifies Iowa Code Section 622.10 to prohibit the release of medical records as "evidence". (HSB 207 by Attorney General's Office failed in funnel)

Other Bills Tracked Still Alive 4. Criminal History Checks Prior to Licensure. SF 235

5. Elimination of CON for Birth Centers: Seeking to amend bill.

6. Disaster Preparedness: HF 396 survived.

7. Dept of Public Health Omnibus Bill (allows ARNP to sign immunization waivers and no exemption for licensure for student nurses performing nursing activities): HF 641.

8. Child Abuse Regulation Changes: HF 206, HF 320 survived

9. Elder Abuse Regulation Changes: SF 132 survived

10. IPERS Changes: HF 398 survived.

Bills Being Tracked that Failed in Funnel Which are Eligible for Consideration in 2004:
11. Disciplinary Hearing Fees Increase to $250: SSB 1108

12. Women's Health-Family Planning Dollars Reallocation: HF 111

13. School Nurses inclusion in Student Achievement & Teacher Quality Program: HF 58 and HF 425. FLOOR ACTION

House Floor Action
The text of the Bills and amendments can be found by going to www.legis.state.ia.us "Tracking Legislation". Contact your legislator by going to "Find Your Legislator" on the Homepage.

HF 479 ADVANCED NURSE PRACTITIONERS - Lets advanced nurse practitioners be providers of health care services including primary care for medical assistance managed care or prepaid service contracts H-1087 by Upmeyer - States that the bill does not expand the scope of practice for advanced nurse practitioners. ADOPTED

The House PASSED the bill, as amended, 88-9; it now goes to the Senate
HF 60 ADVANCED NURSE PRACTITIONERS - WITHDRAWN

HF 455 BURN INJURY REPORTING - Requires doctors to report certain burn injuries to the State Fire Marshal. Makes failure to report a simple misdemeanor.
The House PASSED the bill, 92-0; it now goes to the Senate
HF 116 BURN INJURY REPORTING - WITHDRAWN

HF 457 CHILD TO ADULT TRANSITION - Requires DHS to establish Local Transition Committees to address the transition to adulthood needs of children 16 or old and are receiving child welfare services. Contains other related provisions.
The House PASSED the bill, 96-0; it now goes to the Senate

HF 386 ELDER AFFAIRS ACT - Conforms the Elder Iowans Act with federal legislation by amending definitions. Reduces the number of meeting times for the Commission on Elder Affairs to four.
The House PASSED the bill, 98-0; it now goes to the Senate

HF 389 CONTROLLED & PRECURSOR SUBSTANCES - Makes technical changes to conform the Iowa Code to the federal Uniform Controlled Substances Act and to the precursor chemical federal amendments. Allows the suspension or restriction of the authority of a health care professional to prescribe controlled substances if the professional has been the subject disciplinary action by the appropriate licensing board.

The House PASSED the bill, 97-0; it now goes to the Senate
HF 396 EPIDEMIOLOGY AND DISASTER DIVISION (Human Resources; HSB 147) Creates the Division of Epidemiology, Emergency Medical Services, and Disaster Operations in the DPH. Authorizes the DPH to create disaster medical assistance teams during times of disaster, and to carry out additional duties during a public health disaster. Authorizes the DPH to investigate diseases that may be a potential cause of a public health disaster. Effective upon enactment. H-1038 by Tymeson - Corrective. ADOPTED
H-1047 by Murphy - Requires coverage for government employees getting small pox vaccinations. Treats a bad reaction as workers comp. FAILED

The House PASSED the bill, as amended, 95-0; it now goes to the Senate

HF 472 FEDERAL BLOCK GRANTS - Appropriates federal block grants beginning October 1, 2003 (federal fiscal year).
H-1070 by Upmeyer - Eliminates specified split between alcohol and drug treatment. ADOPTED H-1072 by Upmeyer - OUT OF ORDER
The House PASSED the bill, as amended, 98-0; it now goes to the Senate HF 529 MH/DD SERVICE REPORT - Directs the MH/DD commission to make recommendations for redesigning the MH/DD services system. Requires recommendations to the Legislature and Governor on standardizing clinical and financial eligibility, identifying a minimum set of core services, developing a funding formula that follows the individual, and on improved coordination of funding by 12/31/03.

The House PASSED the bill 88-11; it now goes to the Senate

HF 543 INSURANCE COVERAGE - Requires health insurance plans and HMOs to print on insurance cards a phone number for the insured to call for more information on the external review process and to post such information in a prominent place in health care facilities.

The House PASSED the bill 99-0; it now goes to the Senate

HF 489 DHS CHANGES - Adds domestic abuse discipline to the Multidisciplinary Team under the Child Abuse chapter. Changes certain DHS debt collection procedures related from a medical assistance recipient's estate. Updates references regarding persons with disabilities eligible for medical assistance. Makes the state responsible for the nonfederal share of the intermediate care facility for persons with mental retardation Makes other changes.

The House PASSED the bill, 98-0; it now goes to the Senate

HF 503 ANESTHESIA BY PODIATRISTS - Authorizes a podiatric physician to give local anesthesia and allows a podiatric physician to administer conscious sedation in a hospital or surgical center. The House PASSED the bill, 98-0; it now goes to the Senate

HF 132 ANESTHESIA BY PODIATRISTS - WITHDRAWN

HF 557 VOLUNTEER HEALTH CARE PROTECTIONS - Establishes civil liability immunity for hospitals, and other health care facilities, health care referral programs, and charitable organizations that offer free medical, dental, or chiropractic services through the volunteer health care provider program. H-1069 by Smith - Includes psychologists, pharmacists and providers licensed by the behavioral examiners under this coverage. ADOPTED

H-1115 by Watts - Requires that free clinics covered in the bill solely offer free services rather than primarily. ADOPTED

The House PASSED the bill, as amended, 92-0; it now goes to the Senate HF 359 VOLUNTEER HEALTH CARE PROTECTIONS - WITHDRAWN

HF 565 HAWKI & MEDICAID CHANGES - Cost Sharing: Strikes the requirement for cost sharing based on a sliding fee scale and allows the HAWK-I board to set cost share amounts. Allows for cost sharing for families whose income exceeds the 150% level of federal poverty standards. Makes changes regarding the HAWK-I board's power to determine eligibility under certain conditions. Reports: Requires the DHS, rather than the HAWK-I board, to perform annual, random reviews of applications to ensure compliance and requires quality assurance reports be made to the HAWK-I board and to the DHS. Requires the board, in consultation with the clinical advisory committee, to assess the initial health status of participants to develop baselines and measures to assess the subsequent health of children in the program, and the strikes the requirement for the use of nationally recognized assessment for the health of children in the program. Requires the clinical advisory committee to make annual recommendations. Other: Strikes the requirement for a comprehensive statewide media campaign. Eliminates certain other requirements regarding marketing and identification of potential participants.

The House PASSED the bill, 89-0; it now goes to the Senate
HF 49 HAWKI & MEDICAID CHANGES - WITHDRAWN

HF 534 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT -: Eliminates the DIT, DOP, and DGS and moves their functions into the Department of Administrative Services. Transfers the finance duties of the DRF into the new agency and renames the department as the Department of Revenue. Requires the DAS to adopt a process to determine which services are covered in an appropriation and which services should be funded by the entity receiving the service. Requires the DAS to establish a customer council to oversee operations if the DAS is the sole provider of a service. Establishes transition procedures and covers related matters.

H-1108 by Elgin - Adopts definitions for managed competition and for designated state services. Allows the DAS to determine the delivery of designated state services in the executive branch. Requires the use of managed competition for printing services. Requires the State Auditor be consulted about managed competition. Adds requirements on the delivery of technical services. Requires the three data centers of state government to be merged. Requires a report to the Government Oversight committee. Makes language corrections and other corrections. ADOPTED
The House PASSED the bill, as amended, 89-7; it now goes to the Senate Senate Floor Action
SF 3 ABORTION REPORTING -Requires that the use of RU-486 in inducing abortions be reported to the Department of Public Health.

The Senate PASSED the bill, 42-6; it now goes to the House

SF 235 CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECKS - Includes the Boards of Behavioral Science Examiners, the Board of Dietetic Examiners and the Board of Social Work Examiners in the boards with continuing education and regulatory powers. Checks: Allows licensing boards to make criminal history checks on applicants or for reviewing or monitoring license holders. Authorizes boards to require fingerprints for background checks. Allows boards to collect for the cost of obtaining this information. Makes this background information confidential but allows it to be used in a license denial proceeding or in a disciplinary proceeding.

The Senate PASSED the bill, 48-0; it now goes to the House

SF 303 CHILD ABUSE ASSESSMENTS - Allows a child abuse worker to not make certain determinations for the need for services and the strengths and needs of the child and family if the worker determines the report was spurious or if there are no protective concerns. Requires the supervisor of the worker to concur.

The Senate PASSED the bill, 49-0; it now goes to the House SF 351 DHS CHANGES - Adds domestic abuse discipline to the Multidisciplinary Team under the Child Abuse chapter. Changes certain DHS debt collection procedures related from a medical assistance recipient's estate. Updates references regarding persons with disabilities eligible for medical assistance. Makes the state responsible for the nonfederal share of the intermediate care facility for persons with mental retardation. Makes other changes.
S-3048 by Tinsman - Makes a corrective change. ADOPTED
The Senate PASSED the bill, as amended, 49-0; it now goes to the House

SF 357 HOSPITAL TRUSTEES - Requires candidates for hospital trustee be residents of the area served by the hospital. Allows hospital trustee boards to fill vacancies until the next election. Requires a special election if a petition is filed within fourteen days of the appointment. FM: Miller
S-3070 by Quirmbach - WITHDRAWN
S-3062 by Quirmbach - Allows the boundaries for the service area of a hospital to be amended once every ten years through an ordinance adopted at least 60 days before the election of hospital trustees. FAILED
The Senate PASSED the bill, 45-1; it now goes to the House

COMMITTEE ACTION
House Committee Action

House Appropriations Committee: Referred:
HF 564 CAREER EDUCATION
House Appropriations: Assigned to Subcommittee:
HF 365 COMMUNITY COLLEGE SALARIES - Dix (C), Jenkins, Murphy
HF 436 NURSE LOAN REPAYMENTS - Heaton (C), Jacobs, Smith
HF 496 DRUG BENEFIT MANAGERS - Dix (C), Jenkins, Murphy
HF 582 ELDER FAMILY HOMES - Upmeyer (C), Roberts, Murphy
HF 596 ADULT DAY CARE - Upmeyer (C), Roberts, Murphy
HF 613 INFANT CARE PROGRAM - Dix (C), Upmeyer, Murphy
SF 202 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION - Dix (C), Jenkins, Murphy

House State Government Committee: Voted Out: HF 169 IPERS RETIREMENT - Allows an IPERS employee who retires after July, 2003 to return to IPERS covered employment after one month of retirement. PASSED, 18-3; FM: Drake

Bills Introduced of Interest to Nurses
Find the bills at http://www.legis.state.ia.us "Track Legislation"

Resolutions:
HR 23 SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT (Ford) urges that making parity in insurance and in public health programs for the treatment of substance abuse problems a public priority. HR 32 STAFFING (Winckler) Urges a study by Government Oversight Committee of nurse staffing levels and mandatory overtime practices involving nurses be conducted. HR 36 INSURANCE TAX TREATMENT (Hansen) Urges the federal government to give tax incentives to individuals for the purchase of health insurance equal to the tax incentives for employer provided benefits.

House Files

HF 557 VOLUNTEER HEALTH CARE PROTECTIONS (Human Resources; Successor to HF 359) Establishes civil liability immunity for hospitals, and other health care facilities, health care referral programs, and charitable organizations that offer free medical, dental, or chiropractic services through the volunteer health care provider program. FM: Watts

HF 560 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE WAIVERS (Human Resources; Successor to HF 383) Lets a provider of services under a Medical Assistance Home and Community-Based Services waiver end the contract of a person providing care if the provider finds the contractor hasn't provided the services. FM: Heaton

HF 565 HAWKI & MEDICAID CHANGES (Human Resources; Successor to HF 49) Cost Sharing: Strikes the requirement for cost sharing based on a sliding fee scale and allows the HAWK-I board to set cost share amounts. Allows for cost sharing for families whose income exceeds the 150% level of federal poverty standards. Makes changes regarding the HAWK-I board's power to determine eligibility under certain conditions. Reports: Requires the DHS, rather than the HAWK-I board, to perform annual, random reviews of applications to ensure compliance and requires quality assurance reports be made to the HAWK-I board and to the DHS. Requires the board, in consultation with the clinical advisory committee, to assess the initial health status of participants to develop baselines and measures to assess the subsequent health of children in the program, and the strikes the requirement for the use of nationally recognized assessment for the health of children in the program. Requires the clinical advisory committee to make annual recommendations. Other: Strikes the requirement for a comprehensive statewide media campaign. Eliminates certain other requirements regarding marketing and identification of potential participants. FM: Boddicker

HF 566 MEDICAL DAMAGES (Judiciary; Successor to HF 475) Limits recovery in medical death or injury cases for non-economic damages. Negligence: economic damages only; Recklessness: non-economic damages can equal economic damages. Gross Negligence: 3 times the non-economic damages plus economic damages. Intentional: punitive damages. FM: Paulsen

HF 582 ASSISTED LIVING AND ELDER FAMILY HOMES (Human Resources: Successor to HSB 233) Directs the Department of Elder Affairs regulate elder family homes and assisted living programs with the DIA. Appropriations

HF 586 HEALTH INSURANCE INCREASE NOTICE (Commerce; Successor to HF 444) Requires group health insurance a 45-day notice of premium rate increases and permit the policyholder to renew coverage in one-moth increments. FM: Hansen

HF 588 NURSE AIDE TRAINING (Ford) Requires 90 hours of training as a Nurse Aide for licensure and requires 12 hours of continuing education to maintain the license. (State Government)

HF 596 ADULT DAY CARE (Human Resources; Successor to HSB 239) Authorizes the Department of Elder Affairs, with the cooperation of the Department of Inspections and Appeals, to regulate adult care. Requires the DEA to establish a certification and monitoring program. Requires consultation with the DIA and industry groups. Establishes application and fee requirements; procedures for denial, suspension, or revocation of certification; including a complaint process. Contains other related provisions. FM: Upmeyer

HF 607 NONPROFIT MODEL CODE (Judiciary; Successor to HSB 132) Repeals Code sections regarding operation of nonprofit corporation and replaces it with the Revised Model Nonprofit Corporation Act. Requires the Secretary of State to promulgate rules and forms for such corporations. Defines the duties of the organization's board and officers, legal powers, duties, obligations, and ultra vires action. Allows for personal liability limitations against misdistribution of funds by the board and officers. Applies to new nonprofit organizations formed after July 1, 2004. Requires nonprofits to declare themselves as a public benefit, mutual benefit, or religious corporation by April 1, 2005. Contains many other related provisions. FM: Maddox

HF 610 ABUSE REPORTS (Human Resources; Successor to HF 320) Requires mandatory reporters to report abuse suspicions to DHS and the local enforcement agency if there is an immediate threat or high risk to the child. Makes other changes related to child abuse reporting and investigation. FM: Hutter

HF 627 BIOLOGICALLY BASED MENTAL ILLNESS (Human Resources; Successor to HSB 288) Requires group health insurance, HMOs, and third-party payer of employers of 50 or more to pay for biologically based mental illness claims. FM: Boddicker

HF 628 LICENSING PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS (Human Resources; Successor to HSB 191) Requires an education course for physician assistants be approved by the AMA Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation. Allows physician assistants to render care in emergencies or disaster without the supervision of a physician and gives limited criminal and civil immunity. Exempts physician assistants working under federal jurisdiction from licensing requirements. Effective upon enactment. FM: Boddicker

HF 629 WORKFORCE TRAINING FUNDS (Economic Growth; Successor to HSB 253) Sets up separate funds for each Community College for Workforce Training and Economic Development funds. Limits the amount that can be appropriated to the funds to $10 million for FY 2004 and increasing by $10 million for each of the next four years for a four year total of $100 million. Establishes mechanism for the community colleges to tap the funds. Makes other changes. FM: Jenkins

HF 630 DPH CHANGES (Human Resources; Successor to HSB 291) Makes technical amendments to various programs under DPH jurisdiction. FM: Granzow

HF 638 EPHEDRINE CONTROL (Public Safety; Successor to HSB 273 - Makes ephedrine and pseudoephedrine (dietary supplements) a schedule V controlled substance. FM: Baudler

HF 641 DPH CHANGES (Human Resources; Successor to HSB 269) Requires the chickenpox vaccination for children. Adds physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners to the list of who can sign an immunization medical waivers. Directs that no exemption exists for nursing students performing nursing activities under circumstances. Creates licensee review committees for self-reporting licensees suffering from alcohol or drug abuse impairment. FM: Boddicker

Senate Files

SF 374 NONPROFIT MODEL CODE (Judiciary; Successor to SSB 1077) Repeals Code sections regarding operation of nonprofit corporation and replaces it with the Revised Model Nonprofit Corporation Act. Requires the Secretary of State to promulgate rules and forms for such corporations. Defines the duties of the organization's board and officers, legal powers, duties, obligations, and ultra vires action. Allows for personal liability limitations against misdistribution of funds by the board and officers. Applies to new nonprofit organizations formed after July 1, 2004. Requires nonprofits to declare themselves as a public benefit, mutual benefit, or religious corporation by April 1, 2005. Contains many other related provisions. FM: Miller

SF 407 INFANT HEARING TESTS (Human Resources; Successor to SF 233) Requires newborn babies to be screened for hearing loss as of January 1, 2004 according to certain methods. Requires birthing facilities to perform the tests or to refer the parents to a testing facility. Requires pediatric care specialists who treat babies born outside of regular birthing facilities to ensure that the babies are screened for hearing loss and to report the test results to the parents and to the DPH. Requires the DPH to adopt rules. FM: Boettger

SF 408 CHECKING VETERANS BENEFITS (Human Resources; Successor to SSB 1172) Requires a licensed health care facility to assist the Commission of Veterans Affairs in determining the resident's eligibility for VA benefits prior to the initial admission. FM: Veenstra

SF 410 ARNPS AS PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS (HR; Successor to SF 166) Makes advanced registered nurse practitioners licensed approved health care providers for purposes of managed care contracts under Medicaid. FM: Schuerer

SF 412 ELDER GROUP HOMES (Human Resources; Successor to SF 257) Strikes the requirement that an elder group home be owner-occupied and requires the home to be staffed at all hours.

SF 415 PUBLIC HEALTH OMNIBUS (Human Resources; Successor to SSB 1170) Water: Gives the DPH the authority to make annual grants to county boards of health for testing and improving private water wells. Deletes powers, which allow the Boards of medical examiners, dental examiners, and chiropractic examiners to cancel a temporary certificate to practice without due process. Defines electronic signatures for prescription drug orders. FM: Veenstra

SF 416 DEPENDENT ELDER ABUSE (Human Resources; Successor to SF 132) Establishes an emergency shelter and support services demonstration project for dependent adults at risk of abuse to be run by an area agency on aging that is affiliated with a community college and serves 60,000 elders. Makes changes to changes in definitions related to elder abuse, and in reports and other related matters. FM:

SF 419 MINIMUM WAGE (Dearden, et al) Makes the state minimum wage $1 more than the federal minimum wage, except for workers with less than 90 days on the job, who can be paid 50 cents more. (Business & Labor)

SF 423 DRUG COVERAGE (Holveck) Requires an insurance company offering prescription drug coverage to pay for prescriptions of FDA approved drugs even if prescribed for use other than the label specifies if there is published evidence the drug works on the ailment the patient has. (Commerce)

Senate Study Bills
SSB 1170 PUBLIC HEALTH OMNIBUS (Human Resources) Transfers from the DNR grant authority of funds for county health departments to test and monitor wells. Lets an audiologist be licensed if they hold a doctorate. Makes other changes. (See HSB 154, HSB 291) Veenstra (C), McKinley, Ragan

SSB 1178 SERVICE BOUNDARIES (Government Oversight) Creates a state service regional boundary task force to create up to eight common regions for AEAs, DHS service areas, Judicial Districts and Judicial District Department of Correctional Services. Requires the task force to include representatives from the affected agencies, and appointments by the Governor, the Chief Justice and the majority and minority parties in the Legislature. Requires the task force to submit boundary recommendations by October 2003, or failing that, requires the Government Oversight Committee to establish the criteria for a plan to be drafted by the LSB. Requires the plan to be ready by December 31, 2003. Brunkhorst (C), Dvorsky, Wieck See HSB 296

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