The 2021 South Dakota Legislative session is in full swing, wrapping up week six. Medical marijuana was expected to take center stage this session and it finally received public testimony. Members of the House State Affairs Committee considered House Bill 1100, which delays the implementation date of the medical marijuana program created by Initiated Measure 26 to July 1, 2022 and creates an interim committee to study the issue and make recommendations for implementation. Although healthcare was not mentioned in the initiated measure, SDAHO testified in support of HB 1100 to give those in the healthcare industry more time to consider and create the appropriate implementation plan.
One measure that is moving through the legislative process that SDAHO is following and in support of, is Senate Bill 167. It will establish criteria for a regional nursing facility designation. It also provides funding should the bill become law. Lawmakers have referred the measure to the joint committee of appropriations for further consideration.
As week seven of this years session begins, several key pieces of legislation are expected to be up for debate. One measure SDAHO is monitoring is a bill related to medical conscience. Also on the agenda for week seven is a measure dealing with non-compete clauses in healthcare employment and visitation rights within our hospital settings.
To stay on top of the legislation that may impact the healthcare community or to follow SDAHO’s involvement in this years legislative session, visit SDAHO’s bill tracker.
