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Lawmakers hear bill to collect data on electromagnetic brain-pulse treatment pilot
Summary
AB304 would require data collection and quarterly reporting on a pilot program for electromagnetic brain-pulse (EMBP) treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders. Sponsor said an amendment removed a previously large fiscal note and that counties reported no fiscal impact.
Assembly Bill 304, presented June 1 to the Senate Finance Committee, would establish a pilot program for electromagnetic brain-pulse (EMBP) treatment and require data collection, analysis and quarterly reporting to the Legislative Counsel Bureau.
Assemblymember Venise Karas described EMBP as a noninvasive treatment that images electrical activity and stimulates neurons to restore brain function, citing evidence for use in major depressive disorder, anxiety and substance-use disorders. Karas said an assembly amendment eliminated a DHHS fiscal note that previously exceeded $15 million and that counties responding to the committee indicated zero fiscal impact for the reprint.
Supporters included the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce, which said local employers were pursuing insurance coverage pilots; Robert Purdy of the Nevada Opioid Treatment Association said the treatment might be useful in opioid-use disorder care; and the Vegas Chamber registered support. No opposition testimony or neutral objections were recorded at the hearing.
Sponsor Karas said the bill’s focus is on data and oversight rather than broad immediate coverage: the legislation would collect results from pilot programs and report outcomes to the Legislature to inform future policy and funding decisions.
The committee closed the hearing on AB304 after receiving testimony from proponents and confirming the fiscal impacts had been reduced by amendment.
