South Dakota Department of Health Secretary of Health, Kim Malsam-Rysdon, presented at the SDAHO Board of Trustees meeting February 18.
The Secretary discussed the Department’s undertaking in Public Health accreditation which is the measurement of performance against a set of nationally recognized, evidence-based and practice-focused standards. The goal is to improve and protect the health of the public by advancing the quality and performance of public health departments. The plan consists of:
- State Health Assessment – Collaborative process to collect and analyze data to develop priorities, garner resources, and plan actions to improve the population’s health
- State Health Improvement Plan- Lays out specific steps to achieve measurable improvement on key priorities (statewide)
- Department Strategic Plan-Outlines the strategic issues, goals, and objectives of the department
She reviewed the States Suicide Prevention Program and the Opioid Prevention Program. A few highlighted statistics:
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in SD, but is the 2nd leading cause among ages 15 to 34
- With 192 suicides, SD has the 6th highest suicide rate in United States in 2017 (crude rate)
- There were 168 suicides in 2018 in SD
- 16.1% of SD high school students considered suicide
- 8.4% of SD high school students attempted suicide
In addition, the Secretary walked thru the Department 2020 legislation priorities.
SB 16 – An Act to make an appropriation to reimburse certain health care professionals who have complied with the requirements for certain health care recruitment assistance programs and to declare an emergency.
- Appropriates $635,235 to reimburse two physicians, two dentists, one nurse practitioner, and one physician assistant who have complied with the requirements of the Recruitment Assistance Program
- $233,958 to reimburse eligible health care professionals who have complied with the terms of the Rural Health Care Facility Recruitment Assistance Program. ​
HB 1014 – An Act to place certain substances on the controlled substances schedule and to declare an emergency.
- Updates South Dakota’s controlled substance statute to be consistent with federal DEA scheduling actions that have occurred since the last legislative session.
SB 50 – Revises certain provisions regarding the practice of certified registered nurse anesthetists (SUPPORT)
HB 1056 – Authorizes electronic monitoring of residents in assisted living centers and national facilities. (WATCH)
HB 1063 – Revises certain provisions regarding the purchase, distribution, and sale of tobacco products to persons under the age of 21. (WATCH)
HB 1235 – Revises provisions regarding immunization. (OPPOSE)
