The Senate Health and Welfare Committee has approved a multi-faceted piece of coronavirus legislation. Among other things, it allows for designating one person who can visit a nursing home resident in critical times, establishing COVID-19 antibody administration centers, and permitting paramedics to assist in staff-strapped hospitals.
Senate President Robert Stivers said the measure calls upon the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to improve coordination across the Commonwealth. “If they are to do a better job at coordinating the delivery of all these services, both the monoclonal clinics, Regeneron, the COVID distribution of vaccines, and the tests,” said Stivers.
In expressing concern about the bill, Louisville Senator Karen Berg asked what percentage of people with fears about vaccination would opt for an infusion of antibodies.
The comprehensive bill also prohibits a statewide mask mandate until at least June 2023, without legislative approval. Berg also asked for clarification about that provision. “That you also have to have the option should things change to have a broader response. Why would you want to tie your arm behind your back like that? That’s my question. What’s the purpose of this?” asked Berg.
Senate President Robert Stivers said the legislature could take up such an issue during regular sessions. There was a great deal of discussion about health care staffing. Both Stivers and Senate Health and Welfare Committee Chair Ralph Alvarado expressed concerns about nurses being lured to other states.
A number of members who voted aye said the bill didn’t go far enough in requiring state cabinet action in certain areas.
