The 2019 legislative session recently came to an end, and lawmakers passed bills creating new policies for Indiana. This session, I authored legislation to address various aspects of health care and strengthen our state’s public health sector.
House Enrolled Act 1342, which I proposed to the General Assembly, was signed into law requiring 911 operators to be trained to coach callers through performing hands-only CPR on cardiac arrest victims. By completing this training, dispatchers could better instruct bystanders on how to help a victim survive until an ambulance arrives. Every second counts in these scenarios, and knowing how to coach someone through a medical emergency can be the difference between life and death.
To combat Indiana’s high infant mortality rate, legislation I co-authored would support healthier mothers and babies. If signed into law, the bill would require medical providers to check for signs of substance abuse in pregnant women through a consultation and refer at-risk women to treatment programs as early as possible. This will connect pregnant women with more obtainable resources and health care providers, improving patient care for those at risk of substance use disorder.
I also sponsored a new law ensuring those with disabilities are not discriminated against when needing organ transplants. This law will prohibit health plans from denying individual insurance coverage for the transplant based on disability. While it does not happen often, there are cases where eligible patients have been denied an organ transplant or placed lower on the recipient list solely due to their disability or concerns that they are unable to comply with post-operative treatment regimens.
This session, I had the opportunity to begin serving as chair of the Interstate and International Cooperation Committee, which focuses on passing legislation to benefit Indiana and our partnerships with surrounding states. In this role, I will continue working to help Hoosier businesses connect with other states, and stay competitive on the national and international level.
Let’s continue working together to take the state to the next level. Although session is over, I will soon begin attending summer committee hearings and focusing on legislation that may need to be enacted in the future. Please continue reaching out to me with input or questions at h75@iga.in.gov or 317-232-964
