HB 1555 expands the reasons Mississippi state employees can use major medical leave. It adds new authorized purposes, including care for family members affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, as well as continuing treatment for chronic illnesses (with prior medical certification). The bill also clarifies that leave can cover preventive care for employees or family members. This change affects all eligible Mississippi state employees (excluding certain public university staff), allowing them to use leave for these specific health and safety-related needs without prior use of personal leave in some cases. The bill does not change accrual rates or eligibility requirements.
HB 1308 would allow registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses to delegate medication administration to unlicensed assistive personnel in outpatient clinic settings, but only for patients with stable and predictable health conditions. The bill requires nurses to provide direct, in-person supervision, retain full accountability for patient care, and ensure unlicensed staff are properly trained, competent, and able to perform tasks safely. It mandates that delegations be person-specific, prohibits delegation for certain medications, and requires clinics to have formal policies for such practices. The bill also specifies that nurses must document training and can rescind delegation if patient conditions change or safety concerns arise.
HB 1461 would allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in Mississippi to sign death certificates if they provided the primary care for the patient's condition leading to death or were covering for the patient's regular provider. It would also authorize APRNs to sign POLST (Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment) orders for patients under their care, which document end-of-life treatment preferences. The bill amends specific sections of Mississippi law to expand APRNs' scope of practice in death certification and end-of-life care planning. These changes would directly affect APRNs and the patients they serve in medical settings.
SB 2502 requires Mississippi public school districts to establish school-based clinics with at least one on-site nurse for every 750 students, beginning July 2026. It directs the State Department of Education to create minimum salary guidelines for school nurses based on their education and experience, which all districts must use when hiring. The bill also transfers administration of the school nurse program from the Department of Health to the Department of Education’s Office of Healthy Schools, standardizing clinic operations and nurse responsibilities. This directly affects school districts, nurses, and students by mandating consistent health services and compensation structures.
This resolution (SR 27) urges Congress to pass bills H.R. 589 and S. 223, which aim to repeal the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. It claims the FACE Act has been misused against pro-life activists, citing specific cases where individuals were prosecuted for nonviolent protests near clinics but later acquitted or received harsh sentences. The resolution argues the law has been weaponized by the Biden administration to target pro-life advocates while failing to address attacks on pregnancy centers and churches. It calls for repeal to protect constitutional rights related to free speech and religious expression.
HB 587 appropriates $2.5 million from Mississippi's state general fund to the City of Holly Springs, to assist Alliance Healthcare System in covering construction costs for a micro-hospital inside the system's existing clinic. This funding is designated for the 2026-2027 fiscal year (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027) and directly supports the city and healthcare system in expanding on-site healthcare services. The state treasurer will disburse the funds upon proper requisitions, as specified in the bill. The legislation takes effect on July 1, 2026.
HB 212 appropriates $25 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Department of Health for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027), specifically to fund federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) across the state. These community health centers, which provide primary care in underserved areas, will directly benefit from this funding. The bill establishes a clear mechanism: the State Treasurer will disburse funds via warrants upon requisitions from the Department of Health. This is a procedural funding allocation with no new policy requirements, solely directing existing state resources to support FQHC operations.
HB 67 appropriates $4 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Department of Health for the Mississippi Qualified Health Center Grant Program during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). This funding directly supports qualified health centers across Mississippi by enabling them to receive grants for providing primary care services. The bill establishes a specific budget allocation to maintain these community health centers' operations and services. It does not change eligibility rules or create new programs but ensures dedicated funding for existing grant recipients.
HB 313 would allow Mississippi to grant provisional medical licenses to international physicians sponsored by in-state healthcare providers (like hospitals or clinics) or to physicians licensed in specific countries (including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, and others). These provisional licenses would automatically convert to full licenses after three years of active practice in Mississippi, provided they maintain U.S. immigration status, pass the USMLE exam, and meet other standard requirements. The bill aims to address physician shortages, particularly in rural and primary care areas, by reducing redundant training barriers while maintaining all existing medical competency standards. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.
