Despite the wild ending to the 2018 Indiana General Assembly that resulted in Governor Holcomb calling for a special session to complete unfinished business, the legislative session ended positively for concerns IAAAA supported.
Our top priority, HEA 1317, creates greater transparency and due diligence in the designation of Area Agency on Aging service regions, clarifies eligible uses of the CHOICE program, and ensures the Indiana CHOICE Board has adequate notice and time to provide input on changes to the CHOICE program. Administered by Indiana’s Area Agency on Agencies (AAAs), CHOICE provides resources for qualified older adults and people with disabilities that help them live and age in their own homes with safety and dignity.
Also passing was HEA 1119, which makes several important updates Indiana’s POST law, including recognizing POST forms from other states and expanding POST signature authority to certain advanced care practitioners. The bill also codifies orders of priority in health care decision making to help reduce intra-family conflict and ensure critically ill persons receive prompt care in accordance with their personal wishes.
HEA 190 ensures appropriate and efficient levels of occupancy in nursing facilities.
HEA 1220 clarifies that home health services may be provided in other settings than one’s personal residence.
HEA 421 allows the state to reimburse for Medicaid home and community-based services back to the participant’s application date (as opposed to approval date), similar to other Medicaid services.
HEA 431 provides civil and criminal immunity for Adult Protective Service workers who during the course of an investigation also make reports regarding animal cruelty, neglect and endangerment to animal welfare authorities
You can find additional legislative resources on the Indiana General Assembly website and check out IAAAA’s Public Policy Agenda to learn more about the issues on which we advocate.
