Outcomes of RHAT's 2009 Legislative Priorities
The Cancer Elimination act dealt with tobacco, breast and cervical and colorectal cancer issues. The bill did have a fiscal note attached and due to the worsening fiscal state of the state's coffers, the bill was pulled. Joint Resolution HJR 1192 did pass, however, which contained most of the ingredients of the initial bill.
The Tennessee Breast and Cervical Screening Program funding remained intact with the additional $1 million in recurring funds not affected by budget cuts.
The Smoke-Free Law was challenged with legislation to reduce the age from 21 to 18 in bars; this legislation was defeated.
Reductions to the school physical activity requirement for grades K-8 were defeated.
Funding for smoking cessation and prevention programs was reduced from $10 million to $5 million in non-recurring funds.
A telepharmacy program (pilot) to enable rural access to medications was established in a federally qualified health center.
Eliminating the use of motorcycle helmets for riders aged 21 and older was defeated.
Long-term care alternatives were included in the Governor's budget.
The Tennessee Rural Health Scholarship program (pilot) was established with a small portion of the excess llottery funds to be awarded to 25 students of medicine, nurse practitioner, dentistry, or physician assistant.
We will continue in 2009 to examine priorities that fulfill our mission to improve access to health care for all rural Tennesseans- the priorities that affect you and the people with whom you work.
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