Legislative Updates from around the country
State Policy Updates. In Colorado, Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 166 into law this month, establishing a performance-based incentive program to reduce workplace violence in hospitals. The new law requires hospitals to implement formal violence prevention policies and reporting systems in order to qualify for additional Medicaid reimbursement payments, up to 7% of the previous year’s total reimbursements.
Oklahoma House Bill 2298, which would grant full practice authority to nurse practitioners, is headed to the Governor’s desk. The Oklahoma Nurses Association has been instrumental in its advancement. After being vetoed last year, the bill now has strong legislative backing from the Speaker of the House and the Senate Pro Tempore, setting the stage for a potential veto override if necessary.
In Oregon, House Bill 2748 would prohibit nonhuman entities, including those generated using artificial intelligence, from using nursing titles. The bill has passed the House and is awaiting a Senate committee vote. ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy has testified in support of the bill in both chambers.
