June 26th, 2009

Over the last two weeks legislators have been focused on the budget, which means that not too many healthcare bills are moving through the chambers:

HB 746, which would amend the insurance company law creating a provision titled Affordable Small Group Health Care Coverage, was defeated on the House floor on a vote of N: 94/ Y: 99.  Although it recieved more yes votes than no’s the bill was defeated because each bill needs 102 yes votes to be passed in the House.  A motion to reconsider the bill has been filed and the House will be voting on it again sometime next week.

A public hearing was held on Wednesday on legislation (HB 247) that would require hospitals to obtain a certificate of need before purchasing any major equipment or building any new facilities.