Reflections on the 2008 Legislative Session
A Season of Accomplishment
Long-Term Care Community Choices Act – More than 20 years of hard work between the disability and aging communities laid the groundwork for reforms that will provide real choice in long-term care for Tennesseans.
HCBS Pilot – Supplementing the above this legislation will establish self-directed pilots across the state. (SB1157/HB0941)
Restraint and Seclusion Modernization Act – Establishes restrictions and guidelines on the use of these practices in the schools. (SB2609/HB2471)
Claire’s Law – Requires that every child born be screened for hearing loss or referred for screening. Insurers must cover the screening. (SB3191/HB2753)
Diastat Administration in the Schools – Establishes a program that allows trained volunteers to administer certain seizure medications. (SB2798/HB3268)
Adult Emergency Dental Services – Added to the Safety Net programs for the uninsured (SB2633/HB3294)
Hospice Care – Permits residents of Assisted Living Facilities to receive hospice care. (SB2614/HB2729)
TN Disability Act – Renames and updates sections of code with people first language. (SB2969/HB2993)
Traumatic Brain Injury Fund – Raises an additional $25 in fines to be levied against those caught drag racing in Tennessee.
On the Horizon – Fulfill the Promise picked up support of at least 70 sponsors throughout the session setting it up for success in the future.
Inspection of Nursing Homes – Addresses potential conflicts of interest by prohibiting former employees of a nursing home from later inspecting that same nursing home on behalf of the Dept. of Health. (SB2889/HB4053)
Pedestrian – Pedestrian redefined to include persons using a manual or motorized wheelchair. (SB3688/HB3260)
Med Administration by PA’s – Permits Medication Administration by Personal Assistants working through DMRS. (SB4205/HB4204)
Restroom Accessibility Act – Businesses that are open to the public and have an employee restroom must provide access to persons with certain medical conditions such as Crohns. (SB1415/HB0122)
Ready, Willing and Waiting – Creates a legislative joint study committee to examine issues regarding disability services. (SB3126/HB3297)
Autism License Plate – Permits the creation of an Autism license plate if requirements for a special plate are met.
Definition of Disabled Driver – Persons with 20/200 vision & corrective lens in both functioning eyes are now eligible for a parking placard. (SB3297/HB2928)
Bills Withdrawn or Defeated
Health Insurance Coverage – Legislation that would have exempted certain plans from covering Autism and other conditions.
Nursing Home Patient/Profit Protection Act – Would have restricted rights of nursing home residents to sue nursing homes for injuries.
Building Code Revision – Would have permitted certain buildings to comply with less stringent accessibility requirements.
To download this as a PDF handout w/ Disability Days Photos incorporated
05 Jun 2008 08:57 am MTH 0 comments