Healthcare is important for Hoosiers of all ages, whether it’s for a child’s check-up, getting treatment when we’re sick, or taking care of the elderly. The Indiana General Assembly passed several measures this year to improve the healthcare industry and expand patients’ access to the care they need.
District 48 State Senator Mark Messmer of Jasper notes Senate Enrolled Act 350 requires a home health agency or personal services agency to obtain a national criminal history background check on employees.
Meanwhile House Enrolled Act 1278 allows a dentist, physician, advanced practice nurse, physician assistant and podiatrist to include an INSPECT program report in a patient’s file.
Messmer says the INSPECT program summarizes the controlled substances a patient has been prescribed, the practitioner who prescribed them, and the dispensing pharmacy.
Finally House Enrolled Act 1347 requires Medicaid to assist in mental-health and addiction counseling, making these services more accessible. Messmer says the law also offers incentives for medical personnel to participate in residencies and internships in the mental-health field, which could help secure staff in these hard-to-fill positions. He says the measures would help counseling programs have a full staff dedicated to helping individuals struggling with mental health disorders and drug addiction. The laws improve access to healthcare, give patients peace of mind regarding their personal information, and will keep Hoosiers safe from dubious healthcare workers. As always, feel free to contact Messmer’s office with any questions or concerns by email at Senator.Messmer@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467.
