On the Hill
Priority Bills for March 24 - 28
Monday, March 24
9:45 AM
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REFORM - SUPPORT
NOTE: This is a continuation of last week's hearing
SB 2280 This legislation is crucial in addressing the systemic barriers created by the current prior authorization process, which often delays access to medically necessary care for patients, including those battling cancer. When prior authorization was first introduced, it was intended as a safeguard to ensure that high-cost medical procedures and treatments were necessary and appropriate. Over time, this process has evolved into an overused hurdle that affects even the most routine treatments. NDMA is working with partners to develop a policy on prior authorization parameters, including time limits for responding to requests and auto-approval if the request is not granted within the timeframe. This bill supports those parameters. House Industry Business & Labor, Room 327C
Tuesday, March 25
10:00 AM
PHYSICIAN EDUCATION MANDATE - OPPOSE
HB 1511 This bill mandates an instructional course on the Abortion Control Act for all obstetric physicians, outlining its functionality. It is important to know that North Dakota’s Abortion Control Act is not settled, so it makes little sense to implement education mandates on unsettled law. Senate Appropriations - Education & Environment Division, Sakakawea
On the Hill
Priority Bills for March 17 - 21
Monday, March 17
9:00 AM
MEDICAL EXAM ROOM PROHIBITIONS - OPPOSE
HB 1450 Restrictions placed by this bill will hurt the ability of primary care providers to understand, diagnose, and treat the real issues that affect our vulnerable youth. There is no way to fully understand what questions a parent needs to approve before the clinic visit to perform the best evaluation and care possible. Issues such as anxiety and depression screening are part of these primary care provider visits. At times, parents are helpful in answering some of these questions. Still, there are times when private communication between the provider and the teen is needed since a child may be apprehensive about discussing some issues, such as suicide intentions, with a parent present. Senate Human Services, Fort Lincoln
9:00 AM
PHYSICIAN EDUCATION MANDATE - OPPOSE
HB 1511 This bill mandates an instructional course on the Abortion Control Act for all obstetric physicians, outlining its functionality. It is important to know that North Dakota’s Abortion Control Act is not settled, so it makes little sense to implement education mandates on unsettled law. Senate Judiciary, Peace Garden
10:00 AM
SCHOOL CARDIAC EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN - SUPPORT
HB 1363 Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death on school campuses across the United States. These cardiac events occur quickly and often without warning. Schools must be prepared to respond effectively, giving our youth the best chance of survival. NDMA supports this bill to implement cardiac emergency response plans for public and nonpublic schools and athletic events by the superintendent of public instruction. Senate Education, Room 216
2:30 PM
MATERNAL SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER REPORTING - SUPPORT
SB 2232 North Dakota’s reporting requirements for prenatal exposure to alcohol and controlled substances are prohibitive for individuals seeking prenatal or postpartum care. This bill removes the reporting requirement pending the individual is being provided for or collaborating with other professionals to provide the woman or her infant with health care services, including voluntary entrance into a licensed treatment program. House Human Services, Pioneer
2:30 PM
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REFORM - SUPPORT
SB 2280 This legislation is crucial in addressing the systemic barriers created by the current prior authorization process, which often delays access to medically necessary care for patients, including those battling cancer. When prior authorization was first introduced, it was intended as a safeguard to ensure that high-cost medical procedures and treatments were necessary and appropriate. Over time, this process has evolved into an overused hurdle that affects even the most routine treatments. NDMA is working with partners to develop a policy on prior authorization parameters, including time limits for responding to requests and auto-approval if the request is not granted within the timeframe. This bill supports those parameters. House Industry Business & Labor, Room 327C
Tuesday, March 18
9:00 AM
DIAGNOSTIC BREAST EXAMINATION COVERAGE - SUPPORT
HB 1283 Relating to diagnostic breast examination and supplemental breast examination cost-sharing restrictions. Early detection of breast cancer reduces the chance of dying from the disease. While millions have coverage for screening mammography without cost sharing, individuals at a higher risk of breast cancer or those requiring follow-up imaging due to an abnormal screening mammogram result are subject to hundreds to thousands of dollars in cost sharing. Senate Industry and Business, Fort Union
10:00 AM
VACCINE RESTRICTIONS - OPPOSE
HB 1391 This legislation restricts businesses' rights and freedoms to protect their employees and patients from vaccine-preventable diseases. This will remove the ability to make decisions necessary to provide safe, high-quality patient care. Senate Industry Business and Labor, Fort Union
10:30 AM
AEROSPACE MEDICINE FOR MENTAL HEALTH - SUPPORT
HB 1612 This bill is critical to improving access to resources and support for aviation professionals. Mental health challenges are particularly difficult to address in this field due to the stigma and fear of losing medical certification, which can lead pilots to hide their struggles. The North Dakota Center for Aerospace Medicine would provide much-needed assistance with FAA medical certification, access to aviation medical examiners, and outreach focused on mental health. Senate Human Services, Fort Lincoln
Thursday, March 20
10:15 AM
HEALTH CARE MANDATE STUDY - MONITOR
SB 2249 Relating to health care mandates. This is a proposed study to review all health care mandates through the past years. House Political Subdivisions, Room 327B
On the Hill
Priority Bills for March 10-14
Monday, March 10
9:15 AM
UND SMHS FUNDING - SUPPORT
SB 2003 This is the UND SMHS funding bill and covers multiple areas. NDMA is paying particular attention to some areas that may slip through the cracks, such as challenge grant funding authority. House Appropriations Education and Environment Division, Prairie Room
10:15 AM
CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS FOR NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS - MONITOR
SB 2042 Relating to obtaining criminal history record checks for naturopathic doctors and genetic counselors; and to amend and reenact subdivision d of subsection 2 of section 12‑60‑24 of the North Dakota Century Code, providing authority to complete the background checks with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation to complete the criminal history record checks. House Industry Business & Labor, Room 327C
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUDGET - SUPPORT
HB 1012 Throughout the week, NDMA will be paying attention to the Health and Human Services budget, as it impacts many behavioral health services.
Tuesday, March 11
10:00 AM
HEALTHCARE WORKER ASSAULT - SUPPORT
HB 1341 A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 12.1-17-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to simple assault; and to provide a penalty. This bill would make the punishment for assaulting a hospital worker equal to the penalty for assaulting a law enforcement officer, an employee at the state hospital, a person engaged in a judicial proceeding, a volunteer firefighter, or emergency medical services personnel. Senate Judiciary, Peace Garden
10:30 AM
UNIVERSITY OF ND HEALTH PROFESSION PROGRAMS - SUPPORT
SB 2286 Relates to a legislative management study for the University of North Dakota health profession programs; and to provide an appropriation. This bill is targeted to study funding education and internships statewide for all programs at an expanded University of ND health professions collaborative facility. An appropriation included funds to construct an addition to UND SMHS to expand workforce & research. The Senate amendment removed the appropriation. House Education, Coteau AB
11:00 AM
TOBACCO TAX INCREASE - SUPPORT
SB 2281 This bill relates to a tax on cigars, other tobacco products, alternative tobacco products, electronic smoking devices, and electronic smoking device substances and a tobacco tax distribution fund. It adds an additional tax to be deposited into the tax fund designated to local public health units and organizations providing 988 crisis hotline services. House Finance and Taxation, Room 327E
11:00 AM
MEDICAID PRIOR AUTHORIZATION - MONITOR
SB 2076 This bill relates to prior authorization for the Medicaid program. This bill removes a requirement for the Department to prior authorize psychotropic medications for children on five or more concurrent prescriptions for psychotropics and also addresses discriminatory supplemental rebate offers. House Human Services, Pioneer Room
Wednesday, March 12
10:30 AM
PARENTAL CONSENT OF A CHILD'S HEALTHCARE DECISION
SB 2244 A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 15.1-06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to parental involvement in a child's education; and to amend and reenact section 14-09-32.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a parent's interest in a child's upbringing. Includes providing healthcare services. House Education, Coteau AB
Thursdsay, March 13
10:15 AM
ASSISTANCE ANIMAL - HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL PENALTY - OPPOSE
SB 2193 Relates to the certification of assistance animals and provides a penalty. Assistance animal certification must be given by an actively licensed person practicing medicine in the state who is qualified to evaluate and diagnose disabilities. Penalty: infraction for the first offense; class B misdemeanor for a second. House Agriculture, Room 327C
ON THE HILL
Priority Bills for March 5 - 7
This marks the first week of Crossover, which begins on Wednesday, making it a short week. Here's what we will be watching:
Wednesday, March 5
10:00 AM
MENTAL HEALTH PETITION - SUPPORT
SB 2171 This bill relates to an emergency mental health situation. There is concern about the involuntary hold/treatment North Dakota statute 25-03.1-26. In rural North Dakota it is difficult to find an expert to examine the individual in a 24-hour period. A 24-hour hold may expire while the person is still in transport to a treatment facility. The bill extends the hold to 72 hours of admission. House Human Services, Pioneer Room.
1:30 PM
MEDICAL MARIJUANA - MONITOR
HB 1203 Relating to regulating edible medical marijuana products; and to amend and reenact section 19‑24.1‑01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions of medical marijuana products. It adds a section that includes edibles and changes in quantity limits. Senate Human Services, Fort Lincoln.
3:45 PM
HEALTH OFFICER QUALIFICATIONS - OPPOSE
SB 2255 Relating to the qualifications, term, and duties of the state health officer. House Human Services, Pioneer.
Thursday, March 6
1:00 PM
OPTOMETRIST LICENSURE - MONITOR
HB 1267 Relating to optometrist licensure and telemedicine/distant site providers. Senate Workforce Development, Fort Lincoln.
On the Hill
Priority Bills for February 24-28
Since the bulk of NDMA's priority bills have already gone through the hearing process, this week's work will focus on monitoring committee work and following through on bills that need extra attention.
Outstanding bills that need to be voted on the floor include vaccines, licensure of international physicians, UND School of Medicine budget, including a resolution to remove the mill levy, diagnostic breast examination cost-sharing, and medical exam room restrictions placed on a physician limiting dialogue between a physician and patient.
On the Hill
Priority Bills for February 17-21
HB 1012 Since the bulk of NDMA's priority bills have already gone through the hearing process, this week's work will focus on monitoring committee work. As part of NDMA's policy work, the commitment to work hand in hand with the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services on behalf of behavioral health programs, NDMA will spend considerable time monitoring the budget process for HB 1012.
Thursday, February 20
2:15 PM
PHYSICIAN HEALTH PROGRAM - MONITOR
HB 1039 A BILL to amend section 43-17.3-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of licensee eligible for participation in the physician health program. The amendment to the North Dakota Century Code would extend the program to all former licensees.
This would cover individuals who were a part of the program and, for whatever reason, are no longer licensed. For example, a licensee who has a substance use disorder and is not safe to practice, and therefore, their license is suspended. Allowing such individuals to continue or be eligible for enrollment with the PHP gives them a better chance of getting their licenses back after rehabilitation and treatment. Workforce Development, 2:15 pm, Fort Lincoln Room
Note that HB 1039 already passed through the House without any opposition (90 yeas, 0 nays); and the bill crossed over to the Senate; THEREFORE, since the Senate has time to address this bill - and several others - before crossover, they are in a sense ahead of the game. Crossover is February 28. This is the deadline for all bills to be heard on the floor and then cross chambers.
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On the Hill
Priority Bills for February 10-14
Monday, February 10
10:00 AM
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH - SUPPORT
HB 1108 Relating to interstate contracts for treatment of mental illness or a substance use disorder; and to declare an emergency. Senate Human Services, Fort Lincoln
Tuesday, February 11
9:00 AM
REMOVAL OF MEDICAL SCHOOL MILL LEVEL - OPPOSE
SCR 4023 A concurrent resolution to repeal section 10 of article X of the Constitution of North Dakota, relating to the statewide property tax levy of one mill for support of the state medical center at the University of North Dakota. Senate Finance and Taxation, Fort Totten
NOTE: Two bills, SCR 4023 in the Senate and HCR 3012 in the House, attempt to repeal the medical school's mill levy. NDMA opposes both bills.
Wednesday, February 12
9:00 AM
REMOVAL OF MEDICAL SCHOOL MILL LEVEL - OPPOSE
HCR 3012 A concurrent resolution to repeal section 10 of article X of the Constitution of North Dakota relating to the statewide property tax levy of one mill for support of the state medical center at the University of North Dakota. House Finance and Taxation, Rm 327E
9:00 AM
MEDICAL PRACTICE - ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE - MONITOR
HCR 3014 - A concurrent resolution urging public health, health care systems, and health care providers to prioritize primary prevention in addressing vitamin D deficiency through multifaceted precision public health and medicine approaches. House Human Services, Pioneer Room
9:30 AM
TOBACCO TAX - SUPPORT
HB 1570 - Relating to the creation of a tobacco tax distribution behavioral health fund and the collection, transfer, and report of a tax on electronic smoking devices and alternative tobacco products; to amend the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the tax imposed on cigarettes and other tobacco products. House Finance and Taxation, Rm 327E
Thursday, February 13
9:00 AM
PHYSICIAN LICENSING - SUPPORT
SB 2270 Relating to the licensure of international physicians. Senate Workforce Development, Fort Lincoln
10:30 AM
MEDICAL PRACTICE - OPPOSE
SB 2222 Relating to the certification and sale of assistance animals; to amend and reenact sections 25‑13‑01.1 and 47‑16‑07.5 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions associated with assistance animals and disability documentation for a service or assistance animal in a rental dwelling, and to provide a penalty. NDMA opposes this bill due to the penalty placed on medical providers - a person violating this section is guilty of an infraction for a first offense and a class B misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense. Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs, Fort Union
2:45 PM
MEDICAL PRACTICE - ACCESS TO CARE - SUPPORT
HB 1283 - A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 54-52.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to diagnostic breast examination and supplemental breast examination cost-sharing restrictions and to provide for a report to the legislative assembly. COMMITTEE WORK - House Appropriations, Roughrider
On the Hill
Priority Bills for February 3 - 7
Monday, February 3
9:00 AM
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH & WELFARE - SUPPORT
SB 2232 A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 50-25.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to an exemption for postpartum exposure to controlled substances and alcohol; to amend and reenact sections 50-25.1-16 and 50-25.1-17 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to reporting requirements for prenatal exposure to controlled substances and alcohol abuse and toxicology test requirements; and to repeal section 50-25.1-18 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to reporting requirements for prenatal exposure to alcohol misuse. Senate Human Services, Fort Lincoln
9:00 AM
MEDICAID SUPPORT SERVICES - MATERNAL CARE - MONITOR
HB 1464 A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 23-12 and a new section to chapter 50-24.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to postpartum doula certification and medical assistance benefits for postpartum doula services. The bill is intended to enhance care for Medicaid patients. House Human Services, Pioneer Room.
9:30 AM
MEDICAL PRACTICE EXAM ROOM REQUIREMENTS - OPPOSE
HB 1450 A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 14-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to parent and guardian access to the medical examination room of a minor. This bill places an unhealthy strain on the minor and the providing medical professional, as it compromises the patient and physician relationship to provide effective care. House Human Services, Pioneer Room.
9:30 AM
NON-ECONOMICAL DAMAGES - MEDICAL MALPRACTICE - OPPOSE
HB 1349 A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 32-42-02 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to liability limits for health care malpractice actions or claims; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date. House Judiciary, Room 327B.
2:30 PM
SCOPE OF PRACTICE - OPTOMETRISTS - MONITOR
HB 1267 A BILL for an Act relating to optometrist licensure. House Industry Business & Labor, Room 327C
2:30 PM
MEDICAL PROFESSION EDUCATION EXPANSION - SUPPORT
SB 2286 - - A BILL for an Act to provide for a legislative management study regarding university of North Dakota health profession programs; and to provide an appropriation. This bill is to study funding education and internships statewide for all programs at an expanded university of ND health professions collaborative facility. An appropriation includes funds to construct an addition to UND SMHS to expand workforce & research. Senate Education, Room 216.
Tuesday, February 4
VACCINE BILLS
A total of four vaccine bills will be heard. Some impact the practice of medicine. All bills will be opposed.
9:30 AM
HB 1457 A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 23-12 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to an exemption to required vaccines. The department shall publicize an if an exemption exists for required vaccines that do not meet the minimal standards under this section. Notwithstanding any other law, an individual who is required to receive a vaccine for any purpose, including as a condition of employment, school attendance, or securing a license, certification, or degree, may claim an exemption from the requirement if the food and drug administration does not approve a vaccine; The department posts on its website the injuries or disease caused by the vaccine and the rate at which the injury or disease occurs due to the vaccine. House Human Services, Pioneer Room.
10:15 AM
HB 1467 A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 23-12 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to recording and reporting vaccine adverse event data; to amend and reenact section 23-12-22 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the publication of vaccine adverse event data and information; to provide for a legislative management report; to provide an appropriation; to provide a continuing appropriation; and to provide an expiration date. House Human Services, Pioneer Room.
11:00 AM
HB 1458 A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 23-12 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to releasing a self-spreading virus; and to provide a penalty. A person may not develop, release, or take part in causing the release of any self-spreading virus or bacteria without the express written consent of each individual that may potentially be exposed to the self-spreading virus or bacteria. House Human Services, Pioneer Room.
3:00 PM
HB 1391 A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact sections 14-02.4-01, 14-02.4-02, 14-02.4-03, 14-02.4-04, 14-02.4-05, 14-02.4-06, 14-02.4-08, and 14-02.4-09, subsection 1 of section 14-02.4-14, subsection 1 of section 14-02.4-15, and sections 14-02.4-16 and 14-02.4-17 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to creating a new status related to human rights and anti-discrimination policies. Includes a definition for health status. House Human Services, Pioneer Room
Wednesday, February 5
9:00 AM
FERTILITY PRACTICES/ABORTION - OPPOSE
HB 1373 A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 12.1-16, a new section to chapter 12.1-17, and two new sections to chapter 32-21 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of human being and person as the terms relate to the offenses of murder and assault, and civil actions for death caused by wrongful acts. It creates definitions: Human Being includes an unborn child; Unborn child means an individual living human child before birth from the beginning of biological development at the moment of fertilization upon the fusion of a human spermatozoon with a human ovum. This bill would not allow for the IVF process to continue. House Human Services, Pioneer Room
2:30 PM
ABORTION - MONITOR
HB 1488 A BILL for an Act to create and enact sections 14-02.1-04.3, 14-02.1-04.4, and 14-02.1-04.5 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the creation of an abortion approval committee, a framework for abortion, and an emergency medical exception; relating to abortion procedures, consent, and reporting requirements; and to repeal sections 14-02.1-03.4, 14-02.1-03.5, and 14-02.1-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to abortion restrictions. House Human Services, Pioneer Room.
2:30 PM
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REFORM - SUPPORT
HB 2280 - A BILL for an Act to create and enact chapter 26.1-36.12 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to prior authorization for health and dental insurance. This bill was attempted before at the last session and it was converted to a study. The intent is to reduce the amount of prior authorizations requests and to streamline the prior authorization process. Senate Industry Business & Labor, Fort Union Room.
4:30 PM
ABORTION - MONITOR
HB 1511 A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new subsection to section 43-17-27.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the development of an instructional course by the state board of medicine. This bill would require the ND BOM to post an instructional video on the website to further explain North Dakota's abortion control act. House Human Services, Pioneer Room.
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