Healthcare

Wyoming's HB 126, the "Human heartbeat act," prohibits most abortion procedures after a detectable fetal heartbeat is identified (typically around 6 weeks gestation), directly affecting pregnant individuals seeking abortions and healthcare providers performing them. The bill requires healthcare providers to confirm a detectable heartbeat via standard medical equipment before proceeding with an abortion, except in cases of medical emergencies that threaten the patient's life or major bodily function. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by up to five years in prison or $10,000 fines, and healthcare professionals face mandatory license revocation for noncompliance. The law creates new definitions, exceptions for medical emergencies, and penalties for violations, effective upon enactment.

This bill amends Wyoming's Pharmacy Act to raise the minimum age for pharmacists to administer vaccines from 3 to 7 years old, directly affecting children under 7 who previously could receive immunizations from pharmacists. It also adds protections preventing employers from discriminating against pharmacists who decline to provide collaborative pharmacy care or administer vaccines to children under 13. The bill requires the Board of Pharmacy to create rules for collaborative care and vaccine administration, with most provisions taking effect July 1, 2026. These changes clarify pharmacist authority, patient eligibility, and workplace protections under the state's pharmacy regulations.

This bill updates Wyoming's Medicaid eligibility rules by codifying current state criteria into law. It directly affects individuals applying for Wyoming Medicaid, requiring applicants to be U.S. citizens or lawfully present, Wyoming residents, and meet one of several specific criteria (such as disability, supplemental security income eligibility, hospice care, or tuberculosis infection). The bill prevents Medicaid expansion beyond current eligibility levels as of July 1, 2026, without legislative approval. The Department of Health must finalize implementing rules by October 1, 2026, and the new rules apply to applications submitted or renewed on or after July 1, 2027.