FIFTY-SIXTH WYOMING LEGISLATURE
APPROVED INTERIM COMMITTEE STUDIES
2001-2002
JOINT LABOR, HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES INTERIM COMMITTEE
Topic #1: Health.
Health issues are undergoing rapid change as a result of cost escalation, federal legislation and court decisions. Additionally, the Wyoming Legislature has established a one year sunset on nursing home care which necessitates the Committee's continued work on Medicaid/insurance, the elderly and long term care. Issues include:
· Prescription drugs.
· Mental health parity insurance and correctional mental health.
· Substance abuse prevention and treatment.
· Consultation with the Miner's Hospital Board.
Topic #2: Social Services.
· The Committee has statutory responsibility in the realignment of agencies into the Department of Workforce Services.
· Proposed regulations regarding child care may necessitate legislation.
Topic #3: Labor.
· Two issues dominate Workers' compensation - (a) implementation of the new North American Industrial Classification System was deferred for interim work as it is complicated; and (b) workers' compensation coverage as it impacts the University of Wyoming (HB 95) arose as a problem during this session. The Employment Department has identified several statutory changes needed to solve administrative problems.
· Management Council directed the Committee to review the constitutional provision prohibiting actions against negligent employers in light of 2001 HJ 7, which failed in the general session.