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Link to more information on all the items below by clicking here
Statehouse Update
With a scheduled adjournment later today, the Illinois General Assembly is focused on passing appropriations bills and a budget. Here is a brief recap from the flurry of activity that included several bills on the IAFP's radar. You can link to the full Government Relations article for more explanation or to the End of Session Rapid Report as well.
Epi-pens HB 5892 passed both chambers. IAFP offered comments to the Attorney General's office toward the final language of the bill that addressed provider concerns. IAFP is neutral on the bill. The bill provides that a school district, public school, or nonpublic school may authorize the provision of a student-specific or undesignated epinephrine auto-injector to a student or authorized personnel.
Poison control center SB 741 House Amendment #1 includes a dedicated funding mechanism that will provide $2 million in annual funding to the IPC. IAFP is in support of this initiative.
Community Health Workers HB 5412 passed both chambers. It creates the Community Health Worker Advisory Board Act, and sets forth the membership of the Board, which shall consider the core competencies of a community health worker, including skills and areas of knowledge that are essential to bringing about expanded health and wellness in diverse communities and reducing health disparities.
RxP - SB 2187 allowing psychologists to prescribe. This bill has been amended and passed both chambers. New provisions and patient protections demanded by the physician community were added, allowing physicians to drop their opposition and move to no position the bill.
POLST SB 3076 This bill is expected to pass both chambers as amended. Provides that the execution of a Department of Public Health Uniform POLST (Provider Order for Life Sustaining Treatment) form or DNR Advance Directive is voluntary. IAFP supported this bill. Learn more at www.polstil.org
Smoke Free Campus Act SB 2202 There is a trailer bill to exempt parking lots HB3961 - senate amendment 1. Both are expected to pass and receive concurrence.
Budget Update: Due to parliamentary requirements, it's expected the Senate will pass the budget on May 30th, prior to the General Assembly's scheduled adjournment on May 31st. By then, the Medicaid bill (SB 741 House Amendment #1) should also pass both chambers. Some key provisions (that still may change) include:
- Funding for the poison control center
- Hospital assessment tax
- Elimination of the four prescription drug prior authorization limit for antipsychotics
- Network adequacy for MCOs
- Restoration of coverage for adult dental services
Federal Update
Comment on FDA proposed rules for e-cigarettes
The FDA has proposed a rule that deems electronic cigarettes as a nicotine delivery system that the agency has the authority to regulate. Advocates are disappointed that the proposed rule did not address "some of the most egregious practices of e-cigarette manufacturers," citing a report released last month that found companies marketed them in flavors that appeal to youth. AAFP is currently drafting comments to the FDA's proposed e-cigarette regulations. Submit your comments by July 9 using this link.
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Javette Orgain, MD,