Joint Labor Committee Meeting Summary (October 14-15, 2003)

The Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Interim Committee met on October 14-15, 2003 in Casper.  The Committee received an update from the Department of Health on the growth of the drug court program as a result of 2002 legislation.  The Health Care Commission Subcommittee and staff from the Wyoming Health Care Commission provided an update on the activities of the Subcommittee and the Commission.  The Committee also received updates from the Medicaid Cost Containment Subcommittee, the Workers’ Compensation Subcommittee, and the State Employee Benefits Subcommittee.  Staff from the University of Wyoming Center for Rural Health Research and Education briefed the Committee on healthcare access study findings.  The Committee also heard testimony regarding healthcare workforce issues and workforce issues for public health nurses.  Staff from the University of Wyoming summarized the WICHE interstate program for health-related disciplines and the WWAMI interstate M.D. program and issues involving those programs. 

Committee members provided an update on the work of the Strook Commission, which is investigating ways to expand healthcare access to the working poor.  The Committee heard testimony regarding the use of information technology to improve the provision of healthcare in Wyoming.  The Committee requested legislation to authorize a healthcare technology feasibility study.  The Committee discussed and amended draft legislation authorizing a study of family service support needs in Wyoming.  The Committee received an update from the Department of Health regarding the Pharmacy Plus Program and voted to recommend the transfer of Pharmacy Plus funds to the Prescription Drug Assistance Program.  The Workers’ Compensation Subcommittee presented proposed legislation amending the workers’ compensation statutes, which the Committee voted to sponsor with additional changes.  The Committee received updates regarding public health threats and medical malpractice insurance.  The Committee will meet again December 1-2, 2003 in Casper.