Committee reports three health bills out of committee after votes on amendments

During an executive session following public hearings, the House Healthcare and Wellness Committee took final actions on three bills.

HB 2168 (Overdose Detection Mapping). Vice Chair moved to report substitute HB 2168 with a do-pass recommendation. Representative Manjaras moved and the committee adopted two amendments: amendment 074, which limits geolocation precision for DOH-submitted latitude/longitude (four decimal places in urban areas, two in rural), and amendment 073, which clarifies that unauthorized federal access to the overdose detection mapping application will terminate the federal agency’s usage. Roll call produced 16 ayes, 1 nay, and 2 excused; substitute HB 2168 was reported out with a do-pass recommendation.

HB 2196 (PANDAS/PANS treatment coverage). Committee considered a proposed substitute and an amendment (070) to apply provisions to public plans. Amendment 070 was not adopted; the committee voted to report the proposed substitute out with 15 ayes, 2 nays, and 2 excused. Supporters urged access to IVIG and other therapies for children with PANS/PANDAS; some members cited fiscal concerns.

HB 2545 (Certificates of need for elective percutaneous coronary interventions at ambulatory surgical facilities). The bill would allow elective PCIs at ambulatory surgery centers in line with other states and proponents argued it increases access and lowers costs. After discussion acknowledging safety concerns, the committee voted to report HB 2545 out 13–4–2.

All three measures were reported out of committee with do-pass recommendations to the House.