State legislators passed several new laws that will influence public health last session- but almost all of them won’t take effect until Friday (August 3). The Legislature has developed a report that report that summarizes all of this year’s bills. The health-related bills are on pages 99-108. Here’s a snapshot:
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HB 2088 will require school districts to: 1) develop intervention strategies to prevent heat-related illnesses, sudden cardiac death, and prescription opioid use; 2) notify parents when kids are bullied; and 3) tell parents if a student is suspected of having a concussion. An ADHS concussion training & management report is due at the end of 2018.
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HB 2196 will limit ambulance certificate of necessity (CON) hearings to 10 days unless the Administrative Law Judge determines that there’s an extraordinary need for more hearing days. Hearings had previously gone on for many weeks or even months.
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HB 2197 requires AZ health licensing boards to collect certain data from applicants (beginning January 2020).
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HB 2228 directs AHCCCS to exempt tribal members from work requirement waiver requests (more on this later in the update).
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HB2235 will set up a new licensed class of dental professionals called a Dental Therapist. The next step is for the AZ Board of Dental Examiners to develop the scope of practice and license regulations.
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HB 2323 authorizes contracted nurses to provide emergency inhaler medication in case of respiratory emergencies (takes effect this semester).
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HB 2324 charges the ADHS with implementing a voluntary certification for Community Health Workers. The next steps are for the ADHS to establish the advisory committee and begin the Rulemaking to set up the certification process.
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HB2371 sets up statewide licensure for food trucks. The licenses will have reciprocity in all county health and environmental service departments.
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SB 1083 will require public schools (K-3) to have at least 2 recess periods beginning this semester. Grades 4 and 5 will be required to have 2 recess periods beginning August 2019.
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SB 1245 will develop a produce incentive program within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program within ADES.
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SB 1389 requires the ADHS to develop an HIV Action Plan.
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SB 1465 requires the ADHS to adopt rules and license sober living homes. It also allows them to contract with a third party to assist with licensure and inspections. They have a 2-year exemption from the regular rulemaking process.
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Note: SB 1001 – The Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act was in a Special Session and became law several months ago.