The Senate Health and Human Resources Committee referred five bills out of the committee today. The bills were SB 486, SB 198, SB 339, SB 360, and SB 193.
Senate Bill 486 would relate to health care provider tax increases. This tax would be paid by the hospitals and matched by the federal government in order to gain more federal funding via a three to one match. The bill was then reported with the recommendation that it pass but first referred to the Committee on Finance.
Senate Bill 198 would expand the Health Sciences Program to allow certain medical practitioners in underserved areas, in particular those who specialize in emergency care. The bill was reported to the full Senate with a recommendation to pass.
Senate Bill 339 would create a legislative coalition on chronic pain management. It also sets forth the duties and organization of the coalition. The bill would cease effect in 2020. Senator Plymale (D-Wayne) amended the bill to secure representation from all of the state’s congressional districts. The bill was referred to the Committee on Government Organization with the recommendation that it pass.
Senate Bill 360 would create a legislative coalition on Diabetes Management. Senator Plymale (D-Wayne) amended this bill also to secure representation from all of the state’s congressional districts. Senator Stollings (D-Boone) amended the bill to have a Pharmacist certified in Diabetic Management added to the coalition. The bill was referred to the Committee on Government Organization with the recommendation that it pass.
Senate Bill 193 would prohibit smoking of tobacco products in motor vehicles when a person 16 years old or younger is present. This would be a secondary offense and add a fine of up to $250 to the original charge. Senator Palumbo (D-Kanawha) amended the bill to make it clear that there is not a separate charge by how many children are in the car. Senator Stollings (D-Boone) amended the bill to drop the fine down to $25. The bill was referred to the Committee on Judiciary with the recommendation that it pass.
