State Legislative Update: Committee work begins again

Posted on: 3/29/24

Returning from an abbreviated week, lawmakers got back into the swing of the legislative process as bills have now crossed over from their chamber of origin and committee work began again. 

The House Public Health Committee and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee both met this week. On Thursday, HB 3199 (Rep. Stark/Sen. Haste) regarding peer review passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee by a vote of 12 to 0. The bill expands peer review protections for those hospitals that conduct peer review of PAs and APRNs. HB 3980 (Rep. Echols/Sen. Stanley) was also heard in Senate HHS this week. The measure would cover hospice care for the Medicaid population. 

On Wednesday, OHA caregivers and hospital leadership were recognized by Rep. Marcus McEntire in the Chamber of the House. OHA’s membership was also able to sit in on the House Public Health Committee as they met Wednesday afternoon. 

The next legislative deadlines occur the week of April 8. By April 8, Senate bills must be reported from subcommittees in the House, while on April 11 House bills must be reported from their respective subcommittees in the Senate.  (Scott Tohlen)