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All posts tagged with “Public Policy News | Legislation.”
Assaults on healthcare workers now carry enhanced criminal fines
12/14/23 at 03:42 AMAssaults on healthcare workers now carry enhanced criminal finesMcKnight’s Senior LivingDecember 12, 2023Michigan is the latest state to codify protections for healthcare workers assaulted on the job, which one senior living association said will positively impact the state’s workforce shortage problem. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) recently signed into law two bills that create enhanced criminal fines for assaults, aggravated assaults and assaults with a deadly weapon against health professionals or volunteers while on the job. ... In signing the bills, Whitmer said healthcare workers face “rising rates of bullying, viciousness and violence.”
US Supreme Court refuses to hear fraud appeal for South Florida health care executive pardoned by Trump
12/14/23 at 03:41 AMUS Supreme Court refuses to hear fraud appeal for South Florida health care executive pardoned by TrumpSouth Florida Sun-SentinelDecember 11, 2023The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to take up an appeal by a South Florida nursing-home operator whose 20-year prison sentence was commuted by former President Donald Trump after being convicted in what prosecutors called a “massive health care fraud scheme.” The Supreme Court rejected a petition by attorneys for Philip Esformes, who was found guilty in 2019 on 20 counts related to kickbacks, money laundering, obstruction of justice and conspiracy, according to court documents.
Nurses’ union renews push for safe staffing levels in Maine hospitals
12/14/23 at 03:39 AMNurses’ union renews push for safe staffing levels in Maine hospitalsMaine BeaconDecember 12, 2023The Maine State Nurses Association, the state’s largest nursing union, has renewed its legislative campaign in support of a bill to address unsafe staffing levels at Maine hospitals. The Maine Quality Care Act, a bill sponsored by Sen. Stacy Brenner (D-Cumberland) that would establish minimum staffing requirements based on patient needs, will be one of the top labor proposals that lawmakers will consider when a new legislative session begins early next year.
Passions run high during hospice talks
12/13/23 at 03:24 AMPassions run high during hospice talksDaily Gate City (Keokuk, IA)December 12, 2023Keokuk, IA—Emotions ran high as Lee County Supervisors and Lee County Health Department staff discussed the future of LCHD-Hospice and home health care services at a work session Monday. Supervisor Chairman Garry Seyb said all departments and services are being scrutinized in light of the new state legislation that calls on counties to reduce general tax levies to $3.50 per $1,000 assessed property valuation. Lee County is currently at $5.85—the second highest in the state. In response, Seyb has asked all department heads to look over their budgets and list any services that are not mandated by state code, but are offered elsewhere through the private sector.
CT to consider decriminalization of psychedelic mushrooms. What you should know.
12/12/23 at 03:34 AMCT to consider decriminalization of psychedelic mushrooms. What you should know.Hartford CourantDecember 10, 2023... In the same way that marijuana was considered for decades as an illegal drug, a societal shift allowed a refocus on medical marijuana for pain relief and other uses. Now, mushrooms are also being viewed for their potential benefits though some politicians still remain skeptical. The next step is that advocates want to decriminalize possession of small amounts of mushrooms, and they will be pushing for that in the 2024 legislative session. The state House of Representatives passed a bill last year, but the issue was never debated in the Senate before time ran out. Now, in a short session that starts in early February, advocates are taking another chance at decriminalization.