Lawmakers in Pierre have finished week 5 of the 2021 legislative session, with many key pieces of legislation introduced that could impact the healthcare community. The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations is actively following over 100 bills and testifying when needed. One measure working its way through the process is House Bill 1021, it will provide funding to reimburse certain health care professionals who have complied with the requirements needed for the recruitment assistance programs. After unanimously passing out of the House Committee on Appropriations, it will now go to the House floor for further consideration.
One of many issues brought this year at the request of the Governor has also seen success both in committee and on the House and Senate floor this past week. House Bill 1077 will provide for licensure by endorsement for certain licensed professionals and occupations. Its next stop is the Governor’s office for final passage. As SDAHO continues to monitor the many pieces of legislation this session, stopping bad legislation is just as important as promoting good legislation. This week, SDAHO CEO Tim Rave, spoke in opposition to House Bill 1159 which was heard in the House Health and Human Services Committee. The measure will prohibit interference with the right to bodily integrity in contagious disease control. After an emotional public hearing, committee members moved to send the measure to the 41st legislative day which is a motion to kill the bill, the vote was 9 to 3.
To find all bills SDAHO is actively monitoring – check out our Bill Tracker report, which can be found on SDAHO’s website at www.sdaho.org.
