This week is crucial in the 2023 legislative session, as we are nearing the end of the crossover period. This is the final opportunity for bills to pass in their originating chamber and “cross over” to the other chamber for further consideration. Any bills that fail to pass in their originating chamber by crossover day are unlikely to become law during this legislative session.
Some of my bills have already crossed over to the Senate, while others are still in the third reader phase in the House, awaiting clearance. In Annapolis, we work tirelessly, even on the weekend, to ensure we accomplish as much as possible before this critical deadline. Of course, my top priority remains serving my constituents.
Legislative Victory:
Hospital Credentialing – Reappointment Process for Physician Staff – Modification
– Hospital Credentialing – Reappointment Process for Physician Staff – Modification HB 633 has been voted out of the House and is now in the Senate. I look forward to my Senate colleagues supporting HB 633 and sending this critical bill to Governor Moore’s desk. This bill is crucial in aligning Maryland’s reappointment process for hospitals and physicians with federal standards. By extending the reappointment process timeline, Maryland hospitals can benefit from this change and prioritize patient care. The passing of this bill will also ease the burden on our medical staff and allow them to focus on providing quality care to their patients. Stay tuned for more updates on this and other significant legislative efforts.
Task Force on Reducing Emergency Department Wait Times
The bill addressing the long emergency department (ED) wait times in Maryland has passed the third reader in the House and crossed over to the Senate. Maryland currently has the country’s most extended ED wait times, with an average wait time of 228 minutes, impacting patients, families, and healthcare personnel. By improving ED conditions and reducing wait times, we can better serve the needs of Maryland’s growing population. In addition, the task force created by House Bill 274 will gather valuable insights from other states with similar people and ED demands that have successfully reduced wait times. Thank you, Angela Roberts and The Baltimore Sun, for featuring this bill. The aim of HB 274 is to ensure that the situation highlighted in The Baltimore Sun’s article does not occur again in the future. Here is the link: https://www.baltimoresun.com/health/bs-hs-emergency-department-maryland-wait-20230317-2ye3gxvndbe4hpja3ayatpjv6y-story.html
HB 1151 – Health Insurance – Reimbursement for Services Rendered by a Pharmacist
HB 1151 has passed the second reading in the House passed the third reader crossed over to the Senate. This bill aims to expand the reimbursement coverage for pharmacists, enabling them to offer a broader range of treatment options to their patients within the scope of their practice. By passing HB 1151, pharmacists can provide more expensive services previously considered cost-prohibitive and make them available to their communities.
How to follow Maryland General Assembly’s 2023 session
To follow the Maryland General Assembly’s 2023 session, you can visit the Maryland General Assembly’s website. The website provides the following resources:
- The Schedule for the 2023 Session
- The Committee Schedule (which will be updated regularly to reflect any changes)
- The Legislation Charts allow you to look up and track proposed bills.
It’s important to note that every bill introduced before the deadline will be granted a hearing. In addition, before the hearing takes place, a fiscal and policy note will be published regarding the bill. By utilizing these resources, you can stay up-to-date with the Maryland General Assembly’s 2023 session and track the progress of proposed bills.
Stay Aware, Stay Safe
As the new year begins and everything appears to be back to normal, it is important to remember that we are not out of the woods yet.
With the emergence of the new Omicron variant XBB.1.5, it’s crucial to continue taking precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones. However, we have tools to prevent severe infection and maintain a sense of normalcy. So please, make sure to get vaccinated and stay safe.
Opportunity for Excellence: Apply Now for Delegate Scholarship Program
My office now accepts applications for the District 8 Delegate Scholarship in collaboration with Delegate Nick Allen and Delegate Carl Jackson. This scholarship aims to assist as many local students as possible, as we have done in previous years. Therefore, we encourage interested students to submit their applications early. To apply, please visit the following link: https://forms.gle/UvbvxSe8wgVsBqz9A.
Your Voice Matters
Thank everyone for reaching out with their thoughts on legislation, and all of your advocacy is heard and greatly appreciated. Whether at the federal, state, or local level, our government operates at a higher level with an informed and active constituency. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, comments, concerns, or requests for help. My staff and I are here to help, and I can be reached via email harry.bhandari@house.state.md.us or by phone at 410-841-3524.