Georgia Takes On ‘Granny Cams’; Fla. May Soon Get Covid-Liability Rules
In other news from Florida: Doctors push back against allegations that the medical marijuana program is being used by people getting high for fun. Other news is from Idaho and California.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Georgia ‘Granny Cams’ Bill Disappoints Senior Advocates
The family of World War II veteran James Dempsey never would have learned the true story of the 89-year-old’s death in an Atlanta nursing home without footage from a hidden camera they placed in his room after becoming suspicious. The video revealed his disturbing final moments when the nursing staff ignored his repeated pleas for help, saying he could not breathe. The Supreme Court of Georgia ruled in December that Dempsey and his family acted legally when placing a hidden camera and it could be used in a criminal case. But now, the Georgia General Assembly is considering a bill that would restrict hidden “granny cams,” like the one used by the Dempsey family and sanctioned by the Supreme Court. Instead, the legislation would authorize in-view cameras so that a long-term care facility and its employees would know they are being filmed. (Teegardin, 3/19)
Health News Florida:
Deal Reached On COVID-19 Liability Protections
Legislative leaders announced Thursday they have an agreement on COVID-19 liability protections for businesses, nursing homes and other health care providers and that a bill should be headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk late next week. Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, and House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, said the House would accept a proposal (SB 72) that the Senate amended and passed Thursday in a 24-15 vote along almost straight party lines. Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, was the only Democrat who voted for the measure. (Sexton, 3/19)
Axios:
Idaho Lawmakers COVID Outbreak: Legislature Shuts Down
The Idaho Legislature has shut down for two weeks after at least 10 members and staff tested positive for COVID-19, CNN reported Saturday. The recess comes as House and Senate lawmakers are due to debate major issues, like "setting budgets and pushing through a huge income tax cut," per AP. (3/21)
Health News Florida:
Doctors Push Back On Marijuana Potency Arguments
Florida doctors on Thursday pushed back against allegations that the state’s medical marijuana program is being used by people seeking to get high for fun. The physicians spoke out after a committee approved a controversial proposal being pushed by Republican lawmakers in the state House. (Kam, 3/19)
PBS NewsHour:
Stockton, CA Gave Residents A Guaranteed Income—Here’s What Happened
We found that, number one, people did not stop working. In fact, we found that those who received the guaranteed income were more likely to find full-time employment and were less likely to be unemployed than they were before the guaranteed income. ... We also found health, mental health impacts, from something as small as $500. We saw that depression decreased. We saw that cortisol levels decreased. We saw that stress and anxiety decreased. And according to the Kessler scale, comparable to clinical trials of Prozac, which doesn't mean that medicine isn't important. But I think it does mean that economic insecurity has a huge mental health cost and so much of the anxiety and stress we see is due to economic insecurity. (3/21)
