Health committee adopts interim study list; adds review of toxins in feminine hygiene products and senior food insecurity

The interim Health and Human Services Committee voted to approve its interim study item list and added two topics after member motions.

Lisa Sorensen, policy analyst with the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, told the committee that state rules require adoption of an interim study item list in the first meeting of the interim and that the Legislative Management Committee had already assigned items to this committee. "What we have on the interim study item list is health care costs," Sorensen said, then summarized related subtopics including pharmacy benefit managers, reducing medical waste, and health care cost transparency. She also listed Medicaid, substance use and behavioral health, nurse practice in schools, electronic cigarette regulation, and Office of the Medical Examiner issues as assigned study areas.

The committee received motions to add two items. Representative Kristen Chevrier moved to add "toxins in feminine hygiene products," saying the topic had "come to light" and "a lot of popular feminine hygiene products ... contain toxins" that may affect users' health. Representative Sandra Hollands made a substitute motion to add a study of food insecurity among senior citizens, explaining that the committee had spent considerable time on children and youth and she wanted to examine seniors' needs. Both additions were adopted by voice vote when the chair called for ayes and nays.

Committee members also voted to allow authorized committee chairs to open committee bill files on study topics without requiring a separate committee motion each time. Representative Katie Hall made the motion and it passed on a voice vote.

What this means: the committee will pursue research, presentations and hearings over the interim on the approved topics and may open committee bill files as study work proceeds. Staff told members that any committee member may also make a motion later to open a committee bill file on a particular study item at the time of a presentation.

The committee chair indicated the list is amendable by majority vote if members want to add or remove items at future meetings.

Less critical details: Sorensen reminded members of Open and Public Meetings Act obligations for attire and conduct during remote attendance and noted an outline of interim study items and study schedules is posted on the committee website.