We are down to one week of the 2024 Legislative session and I am pleased to say it has been a good session for healthcare. The entire legislative process has gone about as smoothly as it can, and we anticipate this to continue into the final week. Policy committees heard their final bills and less than 50 remain for the chambers to discuss next week, many of which are vehicle bills in case any final topics need to be addressed.
Last week I told you about SB 209, which will provide grant funding for assisted living centers and nursing facilities to purchase and install technology and infrastructure for telemedicine. If passed, $5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act will go to the South Dakota Department of Health for the purpose of providing these grants. It passed the Senate 33-0 and is calendared to be heard in the House of Representatives on Monday.
There is a companion bill, SB 80, which will provide general funds to improve technology equipment in long-term care. In its current form, the bill provides $3 million from the State’s general fund with the intent to fund innovative ideas to improve operational efficiencies and help with workforce challenges. Since this involves general fund dollars, this bill may have a debate in the House of Representatives on Monday.
Another bill heard last week, SB 147, will provide for the distribution of informational materials regarding palliative care. It successfully made it out of both chambers and was delivered to the Governor’s desk on Wednesday and is awaiting her signature. The hope is that this is the first step in getting reimbursement for the entire palliative care team, not just the physician.
Finally, this year’s general bill comes in the form of HB 1205. The general bill is the ongoing funding for State Government beginning July 1. At the beginning of session, Governor Noem proposed a 4% increase for Medicaid providers, including nursing homes, assisted living, and in-home services. Currently, there is no indication the 4% proposal has changed.
To take a closer look at all of the bills SDAHO has tracked over the past 8-weeks, visit the Bill Tracker on our state advocacy webpage.
