[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6690014,"mediaKeyId","2381581-1020042e14b0dd7c956f261436fab33f","parentId",2381581,"title","Rep. McCann proposes law barring public‑service discrimination over vaccination, masks and testing","audioSeconds",558,"startMs",4459000,"endMs",5017000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2381581-1020042e14b0dd7c956f261436fab33f&start=4459&end=5017","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2381581-1020042e14b0dd7c956f261436fab33f/thumbnail_4459000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6690014/Wyoming/Rep-McCann-proposes-law-barring-publicservice-discrimination-over-vaccination-masks-and-testing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6690014-3403f6af3ff57f02e4c84a799d49b1a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1776752366&Signature=TD~JKbO~l3szhf8o1JIX1k4xGNIWGoBiZ0reOctlYJovobsUZNId4~T~R10rCTm95cs5y2QdDaDYSyL9mLXNzXQjFHx8yufBddcdcfFqYAeXf4qSobodB5dP1g3p1GwfpNMXIEIC0eXzPp3neW0fr1DEzjFDwo8caRfEKxvDmHbAQnxZgyohN7uu2lDFqsGM6C2zdnjoBOezPqwafrUBKX8gRtlyOJp7FnhihbL7LFudiDkZ2AwPgJ0GDZPAJqYR5E70WOyebYsYn6g8l34WGWZTiSreq35~Dum7SzRTJjQnouvXlr1FHss6LuOf2VrsfiSdfQqmqzVd63SNtVG5pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Wyoming Legislature","date","2025-02-24T21:02:56.967Z","article","Representative Darren McCann told the Labor, Health & Social Services Committee he is sponsoring House Bill 96 to bar discrimination by entities that receive public subsidies on the basis of COVID‑19 vaccination status, mask use or medical testing.

The measure would create a new statute, identified in the presentation as 35‑4‑140, that defines terms including COVID‑19 medical testing, face covering and vaccination and prohibits any person or entity that “receives subsidies from the state or federal government” from refusing, withholding or denying services, goods, facilities, advantages or privileges that are public in nature on those bases. The bill would also prohibit signage that singles out people by mask or vaccination status and would permit a civil action awarding up to $5,000 to a prevailing plaintiff; the sponsor presented an immediate effective date if enacted.

Representative McCann told the committee that 12 states have adopted similar laws and that the measure aims to protect individual rights and promote personal freedom. Committee members asked technical and scope questions: several senators asked whether the bill’s reach to entities receiving federal funds is legally sound, and whether the definition of “subsidies” should be refined to include appropriations. Senator Hutchins asked whether the prohibition would apply in hospitals to staff such as nurses and doctors; the sponsor said it would and offered to provide further detail.

The committee took no vote and moved on to other bills. Members asked the sponsor to consult with Legislative Service Office on statutory language about appropriations and federal funds and to consider clarifying the bill’s scope with respect to state and federally funded entities.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Representative Darren McCann presented House Bill 96 to bar entities that receive public subsidies from denying public services, goods or access on the basis of COVID‑19 vaccination, testing or mask status and to provide a civil remedy of up to $5,000.","taxTitle","Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming","taxId",61171,"location","Wyoming","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6690018,"Committee weighs bill to authorize autologous and directed blood donations; Vitalant warns of safety and cost risks",0,4970000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2381581-1020042e14b0dd7c956f261436fab33f&start=4970&end=4970","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2381581-1020042e14b0dd7c956f261436fab33f/thumbnail_4970000.jpg","/articles/6690018/Wyoming/Committee-weighs-bill-to-authorize-autologous-and-directed-blood-donations-Vitalant-warns-of-safety-and-cost-risks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6690018-09293b0bd5fce659a345db77342b274f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776752366&Signature=YHhMzj~VXMPYhsxHpCOA4iuSVz1h-KBWsCvNpUIRw7v~yGs5AXGZ1xLJXuYsEebkqG968M3LdWwXLx9AK0uM-JllN9C6DB5~jDnX~t9eETfPWB2nJAZ6nv1ACj-V2CF5Wjh1x~Fw00CaXv0Em0vnkNar5R5TMTKnelBNMIV0ZPLKA6KhTWN8ewpvw9Sabq89EK8Hu~3HjtUgROOQEDwkZLUTyewlOtfeWEYQGRpbj3tKMcX6IDbwgTpXwszX8INEJSYFIRswPbp8JcokacpEkNPLF~frEHJaRH6kp1gEtwx4aJV4kif21Ywu-2CsJqtmLbj5fsZnLUsuKlgZrS--IQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 135, a measure authorizing and regulating autologous (self‑donation) and direct (donation for a named recipient) blood donations, was presented to the Labor, Health & Social Services Committee and drew split reaction from witnesses.

Representative Joel Guggenmos and co‑introducer Sarah Penn told the committee HB 135 would create a statutory framework for autologous and directed donations, set minimum requirements for hospitals and blood banks, allow reasonable facilitation and storage fees, and direct the Wyoming Department of Health to adopt implementing rules.

Vitalant, the region’s primary blood collector, said the bill as drafted would reduce safety, divert limited nonprofit blood‑center resources and increase costs for patients. Dr. Ralph Fassello, Vitalant’s chief medical and scientific officer, told the committee that blood‑center physicians currently review medically necessary autologous or directed donations to protect patients and donors and that removing that oversight would “most certainly lead to adverse patient outcomes.” He said about two‑thirds of autologous units ultimately are discarded and warned an increase in such collections could strain the community blood supply and risk compliance with federal standards.

Randy Ray, transfusion services supervisor at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, told the committee Wyoming hospitals rely on out‑of‑state blood processors and said the bill lacks denial criteria tied to blood‑type incompatibility and infectious‑disease screening that are central to U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance. Eric Poehling of the Wyoming Hospital Association said no Wyoming hospital currently forbids direct donations but noted extra processing costs and equipment investments — he cited a single piece of equipment costing roughly $60,000 — and said such costs would likely be passed to patients.

Supporters said the bill would expand patient choice, address religious or personal objections to transfused blood from unknown donors and provide options when community supply shortages occur. Patricia McCoy, a committee witness, cited national transfusion‑reaction data and argued that in some cases autologous or directed donations offer peace of mind or reduced risk for recipients.

Vitalant proposed a technical amendment the company urged the committee to adopt. The amendment would permit blood‑center clinicians to decline collections when “it is not medically advisable and would risk patient harm” and would allow fees that are “commensurate with” the actual costs of collection and storage rather than limiting charges to a blood bank’s regular fee schedule.

No formal vote occurred. Committee members and the sponsor said they would consider the Vitalant amendment and take additional technical drafting work with the Department of Health; the chairman suggested the matter might require more study or interim work.","Representatives presented House Bill 135 to authorize and regulate autologous and directed blood donations; Vitalant and transfusion specialists urged caution, citing safety, waste and resource concerns and proposed technical amendments. The committee did not vote.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6690022,"Wyoming committee hears debate on bill to protect off‑label prescribing",4288,152000,4440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2381581-1020042e14b0dd7c956f261436fab33f&start=152&end=4440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2381581-1020042e14b0dd7c956f261436fab33f/thumbnail_152000.jpg","/articles/6690022/Wyoming/Wyoming-committee-hears-debate-on-bill-to-protect-offlabel-prescribing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6690022-c445eef7ed4a31ec8c5dea03b281de4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1776752366&Signature=eWoSx8rQuomzizKvgHa~Ygo3XTh5r9RGl-Jo6Snrs2-KaBfmJXqNAV8zBBK1h5x-uH4NzbVEy~kG42LIDKbvGnUXB-12nUHWhSBifOmigOB286mHncmayBUub5qydExydU-iKUTVUbDUGWDu3ZncnnIaMZk~U-h3dzsfo3REe2rtlu7Mmz4xR-Y78eOqpkfILsuGAz5ly8Z-rjwePdBjSbqwRmpU9qgpqLH9cuf6enbi4u~vChzJ0NrRGs10SQ9HPAplzbvgu5H20PDI~4j3XWVsa844R7VcPCGJf0I6pAcGrl8pvBx6ZH7p9jDbrfiXS7tGDNdGAjC3SFUvTpLDnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Labor, Health & Social Services Committee considered House Bill 164, a measure that would permit prescribers to lawfully prescribe U.S. Food and Drug Administration‑approved drugs for off‑label indications and authorize pharmacists to dispense those drugs under a valid prescription, committee members were told.

Representative Gary Brown, sponsor for House District 41, and former Representative Sarah Penn, who originally carried the measure, told the committee the bill updates statute to define prescribers and pharmacists, list exceptions and provide disciplinary protections for clinicians who prescribe or dispense off‑label when acting within their scope of practice.

Supporters said the change would protect clinical judgment, improve patient access and remove fear of professional retaliation that they say surfaced during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Opponents — including representatives of hospitals, pharmacies and a reproductive‑rights group — said the bill is unnecessary, could create enforcement headaches and might limit employers’ ability to manage formularies or discipline staff.

The bill text presented to the committee defines prescribers to include physicians, physician assistants, dentists, optometrists and advanced practice registered nurses and authorizes pharmacists to dispense prescribed drugs for off‑label indications “within their scope of practice pursuant to a valid prescription order.” It exempts controlled substances listed in schedule 1 and schedule 2 under federal law or the Wyoming Controlled Substance Act of 1971 from the off‑label protections. It also bars protection for prescriptions intended to induce an abortion and for treatments intended to transition minors, citing Senate File 109 (2023) and recent litigation on chemical abortion.

Sectional language would limit disciplinary action against clinicians “solely on the basis” that they prescribed or dispensed a drug off‑label, while preserving disciplinary action where conduct violates the standard of care, informed‑consent requirements or other professional duties. The bill directs the relevant licensing board — for example the State Board of Medicine — to adopt rules necessary to implement the act and sets an effective date of July 1 if enacted.

At the hearing, Sarah Penn said off‑label prescribing is common in modern practice and cited a committee figure: “20 to 30 percent of all medications that are currently prescribed are prescribed off label now.” Patient witnesses described long-term conditions for which they said off‑label use offered potential benefit. Patricia McCoy, a Laramie County resident, said HB 164 could “make a profound difference” for patients who have exhausted approved options.

Kevin Bonhamblest, executive director of the State Board of Medicine, told the committee the board has not historically taken license actions solely for off‑label prescribing and emphasized that regulatory action generally focuses on failure to meet the standard of care or lack of informed consent. “If you fail to meet the standard of care, if you don't get informed consent, things like that, that's going to be a whole different situation,” he said.

Representatives of hospitals and pharmacy groups raised concerns. Eric Boley of the Wyoming Hospital Association said hospital medical staff, pharmacy and therapeutics committees and credentialing processes protect patients and argued HB 164 could undercut those employer‑level safeguards. Melinda Carroll of the Wyoming Pharmacy Association said financial and supply‑chain pressures during the pandemic — and third‑party reimbursement and discount‑card problems — drove some pharmacies to stop filling certain prescriptions; she urged the committee not to advance the bill. Tammy Becklever of the Wyoming Nurses Association opposed language that would remove employer recourse, saying facility policy and employer discipline remain important patient‑safety tools.

Committee members asked technical questions about severability language and a drafting change on “loss of employment, hospital privileges, or credentials” that removed the word “employer” in a prior amendment. Senator Hutchings and others discussed whether to restore or otherwise clarify that line so that hospitals and employers retain tools to enforce facility policy. Representative Brown and multiple witnesses suggested the line should be clarified or reinstated; alternatives discussed included striking the line or adding back “employer.”

No formal motion or vote was recorded at the hearing. Committee leadership signaled the bill would be discussed further; the chairman urged sponsors and staff to clean up drafting issues about the license/employer language before the next consideration.

The bill drew repeated references to past pandemic experience, debates over ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, and the interplay between boards’ licensing authority and employers’ credentialing and employment actions. Supporters argued the bill restores clinicians’ ability to use clinical judgment; opponents cautioned it could weaken hospital safety controls and create new enforcement and liability complexities for pharmacists and employers.","Sponsors told the Labor, Health & Social Services Committee House Bill 164 would codify prescribers' and pharmacists' ability to use FDA‑approved drugs for off‑label indications and shield them from disciplinary action; testimony split between patient advocates and health‑system and pharmacy representatives. No vote was taken.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rep. McCann proposes law barring public‑service discrimination over vaccination, masks and testing

Committee weighs bill to authorize autologous and directed blood donations; Vitalant warns of safety and cost risks

Wyoming committee hears debate on bill to protect off‑label prescribing