Here is a review of some of the health laws that will take effect July 1.
SEA 372 — Health insurance pre-authorization procedures
Supported by the ISMA, this law requires the Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) to review current pre-authorization practices and procedures.
The measure also allows the department to review standardization of other insurance matters, such as the format of health benefit cards and time frames for out-of-network providers to obtain information on insurers’ reimbursement levels.
The IDOI must report its findings to the legislative council before Nov. 1, 2007.
SEA 0010 — Repeal of student scoliosis testing requirement
Schools are no longer required to screen students in the 5 th, 7 th and 9 th grades for scoliosis. The measure’s effectiveness was questioned when the test received a D grade from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
SEA 207 — Medical adverse event reporting
This new law requires the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) to enter into agreement with an agency to collect, analyze, interpret and disseminate findings statewide on patient safety until June 20, 2010.
However, the statute allows certain persons to voluntarily submit information to the ISDH, and makes reports and certain other information confidential and privileged even if the program expires or is repealed.
The law requires the ISDH to use standards for infections adopted by a national consensus organization and to report to the Health Finance Commission before Sept. 1, 2007.
SEA 327 — HPV vaccination for 6 th grade girls
This law requires information about the HPV vaccination be given to parents or guardians of 6 th grade girls and gives the option of having the student receive the vaccine.
HEA 1391 — Surgical technologists
Individuals who profess to be certified surgical technologists must hold and maintain the Certified Surgical Technologist Credential administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
HEA 1241 — Physician assistants prescribing authority
For the first time, physician assistants in Indiana have the authority to prescribe if certain stipulations are met, such as:
- The physician must be in the same or contiguous county while the physician assistant is prescribing drugs.
- Physician assistants are limited to prescribing schedule III-V controlled substances, with the exception of products containing oxycodone. All prescriptions for controlled substances are limited to a seven-day supply or, if the product cannot be dispensed in that small of an amount, the smallest dispensable amount.
- A physician assistant must be employed by a physician for one year before the physician can grant the assistant prescriptive authority.
