Members Present:
Rep. Carl R. Saunders, Chair
Sen. D. Edgar Allen
Sen. Peter C. Knudson
Rep. Patrice M. Arent
Rep. Trisha S. Beck
Rep. Glenn A. Donnelson
Rep. Patricia W. Jones
Rep. David Litvack
Rep. Rebecca D. Lockhart
Rep. Steven R. Mascaro
Rep. Michael T. Morley
Rep. Carol Spackman Moss
Rep. Paul Ray
Rep. Jack A. Seitz
Rep. Mike Thompson
Members Absent:
Sen. Terry R. Spencer
Rep. Wayne A. Harper
Staff Present:
Mr. Mark D. Andrews, Research Analyst
Ms. Stacey M. Snyder, Associate General Counsel
Ms. Alicia M. Laughlin, Legislative Secretary
1. Committee Business
Chair Saunders called the meeting to order at 2:15 p.m.
MOTION: Rep. Mascaro moved to approve the minutes of the September 18, 2002 meeting. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Spencer, Rep. Harper, and Rep. Ray absent for the vote.
2. Adequacy of Nursing Workforce
Mr. Gar Elison, Executive Director, Medical Education Council, introduced Ms. Maureen Keefe, Dean, University of Utah College of Nursing, representing the Nursing Leadership Forum, and Ms. Kim Wirthlin, Assistant Vice-President, University of Utah Health Sciences Center. Ms. Keefe distributed "Who Will Care For You?" and addressed the current nursing shortage in the State. She identified various solutions to correct the problem and recommended that the Legislature appropriate $6.5 million annually to double the number of registered nurses and increase the number of nurse educators trained by the State.
Mr. Richard Kinnersley, President, Utah Hospitals Association, spoke in favor of the Nursing Leadership Forum's recommendations. He addressed the adequacy of the nursing workforce and identified the various reasons for the shortage. He indicated that the industry is very aware of the need to partner with the Legislature and said that Utah hospitals have contributed over $27 million in direct care education.
3. Investment of Tobacco Settlement Monies in Tobacco Securities
Rep. Arent reported that the State Treasurer will no longer invest monies from the multi-state tobacco settlement in tobacco securities.
Sen. Knudson requested that the treasurer be invited to respond at the next meeting.
4. Proposed Legislation for 2003 Annual General Session
Sen. Gene Davis introduced "Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool Amendments" and discussed what the draft legislation entails.
Ms. Tommy O'Sana, Executive Director, Health Insurance Pool, reviewed the bill and answered questions from the Committee.
Mr. Chet Loftis, General Counsel, Utah Medical Association, proposed an amendment to the bill.
MOTION: Rep. Lockhart moved to amend "Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool Amendments" as follows:
1. Page 18, Line 532: Delete "boards" and insert "board's remedy under this Subsection (2)(b)"
2. Delete "have" and insert "be."
The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Spencer, Sen. Knudson, Rep. Arent, and Rep. Harper absent for the vote.
MOTION: Sen. Allen moved to adopt draft legislation "Comprehensive Health Insurance Pool Amendments" (2003FL-0098/009), as amended, as a committee bill. The motion passed unanimously with Sen. Spencer, Sen. Knudson, Rep. Arent, and Rep. Harper absent for the vote.
5. Division of Aging Services Recommendations
Ms. Helen Goddard, Director, Division of Aging and Adult Services, introduced Mr. Sheldon Elman, Assistant Division Director, Division of Aging and Adult Services, and distributed "Utah's Aging Initiative." She discussed Utah's aging population and the opportunities and challenges that exist for families, businesses, and the community. She recommended analyzing government services in light of an aging population and identified some specific issues government could address.
6. Other Items / Adjourn
MOTION: Sen. Allen moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously, with Sen. Knudson, Sen. Spencer, Rep. Arent, and Rep. Harper absent for the vote.
Chair Saunders adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m.