July 2014
In Delaware, DE S 211 was signed by the governor. This bill establishes a 30 day late renewal period for certified nursing assistants during which they may still work. It also provides a fee for late renewal rather than having to retake the certified nursing assistant test and pay the testing fee.
In New York, NY A 9202 was signed by the governor. This bill establishes September 28, 2014 as the date of the Bronx Marathon for the purpose of authorizing certain health care professionals licensed in other jurisdictions to practice in New York state during that event.
In Hawaii, the Governor signed HI S 2469. This bill requires equivalent insurance reimbursement for services provided by a health care provider to a patient regardless of whether the service is provided through telehealth or face-to-face contact. It clarifies that telehealth providers include primary care providers, mental health providers, oral health providers, physicians and osteopathic physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, psychologists, and dentists, and also changes references to telemedicine to telehealth for consistency.
In Massachusetts, the Governor signed MA H 4228. This bill mandates that in all intensive care units the patient assignment for the registered nurse shall be 1:1 or 1:2 depending on the stability of the patient as assessed by the acuity tool and by the staff nurses in the unit, including the nurse manager or the nurse manager's designee when needed to resolve a disagreement. The acuity tool will be developed or chosen by each hospital in consultation with the staff nurses and other appropriate medical staff and shall be certified by the department of public health.
In New York, the Governor signed NY S 6323. This bill authorizes any person licensed as a physician, physician's assistant, massage therapist, physical therapist, chiropractor, dentist, optometrist, nurse, nurse practitioner or podiatrist in another state or territory and appointed by the World Triathlon Corporation to practice the profession in New York in connection with an athletic event sanctioned by the World Triathlon Corporation.