Legislative News

In 2003, the "short" session of the legislature will be held. The overriding issue will be an attempt to pass a budget. If the budget that the governor presented in 2002 remains unchanged with the exception of public financing for the gubernatorial race, it means increase in funding for mental health. The major change would be the establishment of behavioral health treatment for pre-schoolers under the early childhood development program. It would also include funding for the completion of both adult and child crisis stabilization units in all 14 of the comprehensive care districts as well as providing jail training, vocational education, and an extension of the 2000 HB 843 planning commission. Now is the time, before the session begins, to contact your Senator and Representative and urge that NO cuts be made in mental health funding.

Representative Ron Crimm has filed BR428, an advanced directive for mental illness treatment bill. All mental health providers and professionals, consumers and advocates have worked over a year to reach some agreement on this bill. Much of the controversy surrounding this bill was settled by ensuring the bill complied with federal rules and regulations. The final bill is very limited in scope. After December 20 and before January 6 you may find the text of the bill request on the legislative web site, www.ky.state.lrc.gov

Senator David Williams is sponsoring Senate Bill 1, a bill number traditionally reserved for the President of the Senate's most important public policy effort. The proposal will allow the voters of Kentucky to change the Constitution so that a future General Assembly could cap damage awards for on-economic and punitive damages, create a different system for handling medical liability claims, and change the time period in which people have to file such claims. It will not affect a person's ability to be fully compensated for past or future medical expenses or lost wages in the case of medical malpractice. The amendment will assure access to quality medical care and reduce insurance costs for providers. It will also lower health insurance cost for all Kentuckians, have a helpful effect on workers compensation premiums for businesses, and lower the cost of providing insurance benefits for employees.
This important bill is supported by the Kentucky Medical Association, The Kentucky Hospital Association, and the Kentucky Psychiatric Medical Association.

January 15, 2003, the Jefferson County Medical Association is having a legislative reception at the old medical school building on Chestnut in Louisville. All physicians are invited.

On February 7, 2003, the Disabilities Coalition will be holding their legislative breakfast at the Frankfort Civic Center from 7-9 a.m. The Mental Health Coalition is a member of this coalition. This breakfast is always very well attended by legislators and provides an excellent opportunity to talk to those who represent you.

February 12, 2003 is the tentative date for the KMA Legislative Seminar. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about issues before the legislature that concern issues of importance to the medical profession. We encourage our members to attend all of these events as well as to make contact with your own Senator and Representative on these issues.

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