The National Conference of State Legislatures has created a resource, updated daily, to track COVID-19 related legislation in the the states. NCSL reports that at least 28 states and D.C. have introduced legislation to support state action related to COVID-19, and 22 states and D.C. have enacted legislation.
March 19, 2020
March 12, 2020
UK regulators sign joint statement related to coronavirus
UK regulators of health and care professionals have signed a joint statement on the approach to regulation in the wake of coronavirus (COVID-19). The statement highlights the vital role that health and care professionals play in treating and containing the virus. Recognizing that professionals may have concerns about decisions for care, the statement provides a framework for decision making in a wide range of situations and notes that profession-specific guidance will be issued where needed.
January 16, 2020
Ohio: medical board considers qualifying conditions for medical marijuana
Twenty-eight submissions have been filed with the State Medical Board of Ohio concerning qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. A petition under consideration lists "Bengals/Browns Fans" as a condition, referring to individuals suffering due to poor performance of their favorite NFL football team. The petition included all of the necessary components for consideration, such as medical or scientific evidence supporting the use of medical marijuana to treat the condition, consideration of whether other therapies are insufficient to treat the condition, and letters of support from physicians. A final vote will take place in summer 2020.
January 09, 2020
France: ruling on Airbnb licensing requirements
A ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union has concluded that Airbnb cannot be required to hold an estate agent's professional license to operate in France. The ruling declares that the company acts as an "information society service" rather than a real estate agency, providing a tool for finding accommodations for rent rather than acting as a broker.
November 07, 2019
Federal judge blocks conscience rule for healthcare providers
A federal judge in New York has declared the Trump administration's "conscience rule" unconstitutional. The rule, which was to go into effect later this month, would have allowed healthcare providers to refuse services to patients if the services or procedures go against the provider's moral or religious beliefs. The judge declared the rule "arbitrary and capricious" due to its central justification, a "significant increase" in complaints related to conscience violations, being untrue. Lawsuits had been brought by several states arguing that the rule favored the personal views of the healthcare worker over the needs of the patient.
October 17, 2019
Texas: federal judge strikes down rule requiring procedures
A federal judge has struck down a Texas Department of Health and Human Services rule that would have required healthcare practitioners to perform procedures such as abortions and gender transition surgeries that go against their personal or religious beliefs. The ruling stated that the rule "substantially burdens" the rights of healthcare professionals under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Utah considers ban on conversion therapy
A licensing rule proposed in Utah would ban licensed mental health professionals from using conversion therapy (therapy to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity) on minor patients. In the 2019 legislative session, a bill to ban conversion therapy was considered but not passed. The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing was then directed to draft a rule concerning sexual orientation and gender identity change practices. Sixteen other states have passed laws banning conversion therapy for minors.
August 30, 2019
Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing launches
Earlier this month, the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing launched as an organization that "promotes a responsible, balanced approach to professional licensing" and aims to "educate policymakers and the public on the importance of high standards, rigorous education, and extensive experience within highly complex, technical professions that are relied upon to protect public safety and enhance public trust." Member organizations are The American Institute of Architects, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, American Society of Civil Engineers, The Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards, National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, and National Society of Professional Engineers. The group states concerns about recent state legislative efforts to reduce or remove licensing of specific professions and the effect that changing standards on a state-by-state basis may have on professional mobility.
Federation of State Medical Boards resource on state opioid policies
The Federation of State Medical Boards has released the "Opioid Policy Survey, 2019" showing a board-by-board overview of policies in place related to prescription drug monitoring program usage, prescribing limits for chronic pain and acute pain opioids, practitioner pain management CME requirements, collaboration with intra-state boards and agencies, and educational materials provided by the boards to licensees and the public.
The FSMB website also includes a state-by-state overview of PDMPs; a state-by-state overview of medical marijuana laws, regulations, and guidelines; and a board-by-board overview of pain management policies.
August 14, 2019
Illinois: changes to medical cannabis regulation
New legislation in Illinois makes changes to medical cannabis regulation, including expanding the type of medical professionals who can certify patients' eligibility. Advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants will now be able to diagnose and certify patients for the medical cannabis program.
