Health and Human Services

Creates a 15-member joint commission to study and provide recommendations regarding safe staffing ratios in hospitals, and who would report back to the General Assembly by September 1, 2027, and expire on January 30, 2028.

Commencing January 1, 2027, mandates insurers provide health insurance coverage without cost-share requirements for vaccinations recommended by the DOH and mandates the coverage for the medical assistance program and managed care organizations.

Commencing January 1, 2027, mandates insurers provide health insurance coverage without cost-share requirements for vaccinations recommended by the DOH and mandates the coverage for the medical assistance program and managed care organizations.

This bill expands the ability for people to buy Medicare supplement insurance without being denied coverage based on their health history. It specifically helps individuals under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability or kidney disease, as well as those who have maintained continuous coverage since their initial enrollment period. The law requires insurers to offer these policies without medical underwriting or charging higher premiums due to preexisting conditions during specific enrollment windows. By removing these barriers, the bill aims to ensure broader access to supplemental health coverage for eligible Medicare beneficiaries.

This bill establishes new rules for using artificial intelligence in mental health care. It requires licensed mental health professionals (like therapists and counselors) to get specific written consent from clients before using AI tools in therapy sessions, and prohibits AI from simulating emotional bonds or making therapeutic decisions. The law allows AI only for administrative tasks (e.g., scheduling) or supplementary support (e.g., analyzing anonymized data for progress tracking), while ensuring therapists maintain full responsibility for care. It directly affects all mental health providers and organizations offering therapy services in the state.