As healthcare professionals, we are typically focused on the job at hand, taking care of patients. We are not often looking at what is going on in the legislature or government unless it involves our licensure. Today I had three separate emails or articles about things that have happened recently regarding laws and medicine. It made me think, what else is out there?
Legislative Updates Across States
All of us were concerned a couple of years ago with the nurse in Tennessee who was prosecuted and convicted due to a fatal medication error. Many watched in horror and fear of the precedent it might set for any healthcare worker. The state of Kentucky addressed these fears with the passage of HB 159. This legislation ensures healthcare providers “shall be immune from criminal liability for any harm or damages alleged to arise from an act or omission relating to the provision of health services.” It does include exceptions for negligence or intentional harm to patients.
Addressing Healthcare Costs
California has a new rule to try and hold down healthcare costs and it came from the Office of Health Care Affordability. This office approved the first cap on health industry spending increases with a 6-1 vote. It requires healthcare providers to limit spending growth to 3.5% through 2028 and then 3% in 2029. These hospitals, physician groups, and insurance companies must submit reports / data showing their compliance. Beginning in 2029, organizations who do not comply may be put on improvement plans, have penalties, or be fined. California is not the only state that is addressing the cost of healthcare. According to one article I read eight other states are working to address unnecessary growth in health spending, these states include: Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.
Improving Healthcare Workforce
In March, Florida’s Governor De Santis signed the “Live Healthy” legislative package. It included SB 7016 that expanded training programs to develop the states healthcare workforce. It also included rules for hospitals with emergency departments. These facilities have to submit a plan to divert patients presenting with non-emergent conditions access an appropriate care setting. Their plan cannot conflict with the federal EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act) law and must be approved prior to July 1, 2025.
Addressing Workplace Violence
Last year Texas S.B. 240 was passed. This requires healthcare facilities to have a plan to address workplace violence prevention policies in place by September 1, 2024. Texas joins states such as California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington to address the growing concern of violence against healthcare workers. On the federal level, the SAVE Act (Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act) has been introduced in both the House and Senate.
AHEC Classes for Violence Prevention and Education
I applaud how states like Kentucky, Florida, and Texas, as well as our federal legislature, are working to help our professionals. These past few years in healthcare have been particularly difficult. How many of us thought we would actually see a pandemic? As healthcare professionals, we faced COVID 19 head on, continue to provide the best care for our patients and still have to deal with things like occupational violence that continues to rise. One study I read said healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience this over other professions. Let’s face it, it is a lot and everyone at AHEC wants to help. We offer classes to help you be aware or lean more about difficult topics such as Human Trafficking Prevention. I hope you will join me in my newest class Be Aware: Occupational Violence in Healthcare. The more we know, the better prepared we can be. #StayEducated my friends.
