Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Physician Assistants Given Broader Scope In Florida Bill
Health News Florida: Florida House Backs More Power For Physician Assistants
The Florida House overwhelmingly approved a bill Wednesday that would broaden the “scope of practice” for physician assistants, authorize them to prescribe 14-day supplies of psychiatric controlled substances for minors and bill insurers for services. The House voted 106-5 to pass the bill (HB 431), after sponsor Bob Rommel, R-Naples, made a change Tuesday that would cap the number of physician assistants a doctor could supervise at one time. (4/15)
In Medicare and Medicaid news from Florida, Missouri and Georgia —
Health News Florida: Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Bill Headed To DeSantis
The Florida House on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill (SB 348) that would require the Medicaid program to pay Medicare deductibles and cost sharing for non-emergency transportation services. The Senate had previously passed the measure, meaning it is now ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis. (4/15)
AP: Missouri House Redirects Money Meant For Medicaid Expansion
The GOP-led Missouri House on Thursday passed an alternative plan for spending funding initially meant for Medicaid expansion. House lawmakers voted 143-1 to send the proposal to the Senate, where Republican leaders have also voiced support for defunding Medicaid expansion. House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith said the spending plan represents “the prioritization of the people who are most needy in our state.” (Ballentine, 4/15)
Georgia Health News: Long-Delayed Medicaid Report Outlines State’s Ambitious Strategies
Georgia’s new report on Medicaid quality, which came out more than a year late, says state officials will focus more on addressing health disparities in the public insurance program. The report, released April 1, is a road map outlining the goals of the Georgia Medicaid program for the next two years. (Grapevine, 4/15)
In other news from Georgia, West Virginia, New Jersey and California —
WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta: Atlanta VA Continues To Lose Medical Devices Despite Warning 2 Years Ago, Investigation Finds
Channel 2 Action News has learned that lifesaving medical devices lost at the Atlanta VA Medical Center were found sitting on shelves – expired. In a joint investigation by Channel 2 Action News and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, we learned that the Atlanta VA was warned about the problem but didn’t fix it. Channel 2 investigative reporter Justin Gray found out the devices include things like heart stents and dental implants. (Gray, 4/14)
Charleston Gazette-Mail: Justice Signs Harm Reduction Licensing Bill After Health Professionals Urged Him To Veto
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has signed a bill that more than 300 health care professionals urged him to veto. Justice signed Senate Bill 334, the Senate Clerk reported Thursday. SB 334 establishes a licensing program within the state Department of Health and Human Resources for harm reduction programs operating syringe exchange programs. All new and existing programs will need to apply to the Office for Health Facility Licensure and Certification. Programs will need support from the majority of the county commission and the majority of the governing body of a municipality. (Stuck, 4/15)
AP: Smoking Foes: Make COVID Casino Smoking Ban Permanent In NJ
Health advocates say New Jersey’s temporary coronavirus-related ban on smoking in the Atlantic City casinos should be made permanent, and some state legislators said Thursday they will push to make that happen. But the casinos say permanently banning smoking once the pandemic has ended will drive away customers, leading to job losses and lower tax revenue for the state. They say the gambling halls have invested heavily in air filtration equipment that renders the workspaces safe. (Parry, 4/15)
Los Angeles Times: Are Shipping Containers For Homeless People In L.A. Humane?
It measures only 8 feet by 8 feet. But to Stephen Smith, the tiny red house in North Hollywood is the place he calls home. Until early last month, Smith had been living out of his car in locations around the San Fernando Valley, collecting cans from city parks as a way of making spare change. He ended up on the street not through a single event, but a slippery chain of them: the death of his mother last year followed by the pandemic, which left him in an emotional and economic lurch. “Me and my mom were best friends,” he says. “I took it kind of bad.” (Miranda, 4/15)
