Colleagues,

I attended the Indiana State Medical Association Medicine Day on Wednesday, January 20. The key issues discussed included open access (HB 1022), smoke-free legislation (HB 1131), and licensure of lay midwives (SB 232).

House Bill 1131 - Smoke-Free Legislation
House Bill 1131 would prohibit smoking in: (1) public places; (2) enclosed areas of a place of employment; and (3) certain state vehicles. It provides exceptions to certain gaming facilities and requires the alcohol and tobacco commission to enforce the prohibition. It makes it a Class B infraction to violate the smoking prohibition and a Class A infraction if the person has three unrelated prior offenses. It repeals the current clean indoor air law that prohibits smoking in public buildings. Rep. Charlie Brown, sponsor of the bill, withdrew the legislation this week after numerous amendments were proposed that would have negated its effectiveness at banning smoking in public places.

House Bill 1022 - Open Access
The bill seeks to prohibit a health insurer's use of so-called "open access" or "discrimination by payer" clauses when contracting with providers. It allows physicians the important ability to control their own practice payer mix; it seeks to put the control back to the small business allowing them to set a limit on the number of patients from each payer that their practice is able to accept. There would be no impact on current patients. This bill will NOT affect Medicaid or the Healthy Indiana Plan. Ask your legislators to vote yes on House Bill 1022 and to support only those amendments supported by the authors of the bill.

Attend the Indiana-ACC Legislative Day on Feb. 18
With the impact of government on the practice of medicine, it is critical for you to take time to establish good relationships with your legislators. Because we have not yet seen meaningful health legislation coming out of this session, it is more important than ever to let them know that we have some concerns about the practice environment in the state (e.g. insurance company requirements, the legislature rejecting something as fundamental as avoiding second-hand smoke, etc.).

The Indiana-ACC Legislative Day will provide you with the opportunity to visit your Indiana representatives and senators to introduce them to cardiology issues facing you and your patients. Building relationships with your state lawmakers will help ensure that the Indiana General Assembly remains physician friendly. There is no charge for the event, and appointments with your lawmakers will be made for you. Parking will be validated.
Register today!