The Senate Committee on Health and Human Resources met to report eight bills out of the committee.
House Bill 2522 relates to a nurse licensure compact.
Sue Paynter, director of the IN board, said the bill is important so nurses could get a multi-state license. This would make it so nurses who work in Kentucky and live in West Virginia wouldn’t have to get two separate licenses.
Someone speaking against the bill said the bill would make background checks and proper punishment for malpractice more difficult to administer. If they have a multi-license, then nurses don’t have to report where they are working to the compact.
Senator Maroney (R-Marshall) said, “I think that each individual employer will check their employees background. I support the bill.”
The bill was reported to the Senate floor with the recommendation that it pass but it was first referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
House Bill 2724 relates to creating a pilot program under the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs. This pilot program would address poverty, drug abuse and other problems. The bill was reported to the Senate floor with the recommendation that it pass but first be reported to the Committee on Government Organization.
House Bill 2518 creates a legislative rule to permit a pharmacist or pharmacy intern to administer certain immunizations. The vaccines included are HPV and Influenza.
Senator Rucker (R-Jefferson) asked if there were provisions for informed consent and there are.
The bill was reported to the Senate floor with the recommendation that it pass.
House Bill 2653 would extend the date of use of the Multi State Real-Time Tracking System. The bill was reported to the Senate floor with the recommendation that it pass.
House Bill 2739 relates to supplemental Medicaid provider reimbursement. An amendment offered by council was adopted. Senator Trump (R-Morgan) moved to amend the amendment and it too was adopted. The bill was then reported to the Senate floor with the recommendation that it pass.
House Bill 2519 relates to a Medicaid program compact. This bill would make an inquiry to surrounding states about creating a Medicaid compact with them. The bill was reported to the Senate floor with the recommendation that it pass.
House Bill 2119 would repeal West Virginia Health Benefit Exchange Act. The West Virginia Health Benefit Exchange has never been operational as its duties were carried out by the federal government. The bill was reported to the floor with the recommendation that it pass.
House Bill 2188 would extend the length of time for the special Community-Based Pilot Demonstration Project to Improve Outcomes for At-Risk Youth. The bill would change the duration of the project from four to seven years. Federal funding is available to the project and no state money goes to it. The bill was reported to the floor with the recommendation that it pass.
