April 2, 2019

Is That the Finish Line I See?

Last week, AzNA saw great success with our CNS legislation, HB2068, clinical nurse specialists; prescribing authority. After in-depth conversations between practitioner groups, the physician groups moved from opposing the bill to a neutral position. At the Senate Health and Human Services Committee meeting Wednesday, the testimony was conciliatory and positive.

Keeping Me on the Edge of My Seat - What Happened?

HB2068 passed out of committee, 8-0. Take 20 minutes out of your day to watch how the testimony and discussion unfolded. It proceeded to the Rules Committee, Monday, April 1 and had no problems passing out of that committee since it had already cleared the House Rules Committee (which checks for the same legal and constitutional issues).

Refresh Me. What is Next?

The bill moves through the republican and democratic Senate caucuses, likely Tuesday, April 2 and then it will proceed to the Senate Committee of the Whole for passage. AzNA is optimistic at this time, but will continue to carefully watch and shepherd the bill through the process.

Shall We Dance?

There has been some resistance from a few House members regarding the $50,000 appropriation for the workforce database in SB1096; health professionals data; repository; appropriation. Although the bill passed out of the Appropriations Committee, three members of the committee voted no. One of those no votes belonged to the Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Rep. Kern.

I Thought There Was Dancing Involved...

A quick pivot is necessary. The bill needs to be heard and pass through Rules before it can move to the House floor. Because the substance of the bill is important to its implementation, AzNA has told Rep. Kern that the appropriation amount will be removed from the bill if he will allow it to proceed through the Rules Committee. The $50K will need to be added to the budget in other ways. Hoping to score perfect on these tricky moves.