Summary
Legislative Updates on Seizure Bills
The group discussed several legislative updates, including AB 350, which would cover fluoride treatments for under-21s but is currently in the Senate appropriations suspense file due to cost concerns. They also reviewed AB 369, which allows trained volunteers to administer anti-seizure medicines at school, which was approved by the governor. The group expressed confusion about why a similar bill for adult day programs (AB 1172) was not passed, given it addresses the same issue of emergency room visits for seizures. They agreed to investigate further, with Selim planning to meet with legislators after the break.
Volunteer Medication Bill Advocacy
The group discussed a bill that would allow trained volunteers in adult residential facilities to administer anti-seizure medication, similar to existing laws for children in schools. Jeff expressed confusion about it being in the suspense file in the Appropriations Committee, noting that emergency room visits for untreated seizures could be costly for the state. The team agreed to contact a consultant to understand the concerns about liability and costs. They also decided to submit a comment emphasizing the potential cost savings and parallels to existing laws for children, while highlighting that the proposed treatment would follow a doctor's plan similar to what parents currently do at home.
Healthcare Legislation and AI Concerns
The group discussed two legislative issues. First, they addressed concerns about a bill regarding seizure management for elderly patients, where Jeff explained that the issue was about allowing medical staff to administer certain medications rather than requiring emergency room transports, and they decided to draft a comment emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of this approach. Second, they discussed a bill prohibiting AI from misrepresenting itself as a healthcare professional, which was placed in the suspense file due to enforcement costs concerns, and agreed to follow up with other lobbyists to understand the opposition and CMA's progress on resolving the issue.
Legislative Updates and Policy Decisions
The group discussed several legislative updates, including the status of bills related to youth tackle football helmets, Parkinson's disease research, and resolutions. They decided to let the youth tackle football helmet bill "die" as they agreed it likely wouldn't prevent CTE, while maintaining their support through a letter. Jeff offered to provide research on the effectiveness of add-on shells.
Legislative and Organizational Initiatives
The group lastly discussed several legislative and organizational matters, including CTE and AI initiatives. They agreed to gather more information from CMA about AI activities and to post legislative successes on the website. Stella suggested contacting certain stakeholders for a letter of support regarding the epilepsy transportation act.
