Looking Forward in the States in 2012
In 2012, all but four states will convene in regular session and file more than 100,000 bills. Although state economies are improving, state budgets are still a main focus in legislatures around the country. However, some lawmakers continue to address the important ongoing issues impacting the healthcare sector. This year, the Academy will continue to closely monitor legislative proposals that could influence the practice of medicine, and in particular, the practice of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Some of the bill topics being tracked by the AAO-HNS include scope of practice, newborn hearing screening, taxes on medical services, hearing aid dispensing, medical liability reform, payment, and truth in advertising. This session, Academy members should expect a heightened number of scope-of-practice battles and cosmetic medical procedure tax proposals as states try to identify alternate funding and patient care models. Additionally, in many statehouses, the implementation of national healthcare reform and proposed healthcare delivery models will be a top priority. To learn more about what the AAO-HNS is tracking in your state and across the country, you can view a complete online listing of the bills being tracked visiting www.entnet.org/practice/members/stateadvocacy.cfm. Online state legislative tracking reports can be tracked by state or legislative issue, and customized legislative reports are available to state society leaders. To request a customized report for your state or to ask questions, email legstate@entnet.org.
This year, the Academy will continue to closely monitor legislative proposals that could influence the practice of medicine, and in particular, the practice of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Some of the bill topics being tracked by the AAO-HNS include scope of practice, newborn hearing screening, taxes on medical services, hearing aid dispensing, medical liability reform, payment, and truth in advertising. This session, Academy members should expect a heightened number of scope-of-practice battles and cosmetic medical procedure tax proposals as states try to identify alternate funding and patient care models. Additionally, in many statehouses, the implementation of national healthcare reform and proposed healthcare delivery models will be a top priority.
To learn more about what the AAO-HNS is tracking in your state and across the country, you can view a complete online listing of the bills being tracked visiting www.entnet.org/practice/members/stateadvocacy.cfm.
Online state legislative tracking reports can be tracked by state or legislative issue, and customized legislative reports are available to state society leaders. To request a customized report for your state or to ask questions, email legstate@entnet.org.