"This legislation reflects the common-sense idea that physician assistants are truly on the 'front lines' of health care," Governor Culver said. "This law gives physician assistants the same rights and responsibilities other health care providers currently enjoy and keeps Iowa competitive with neighboring states."

Maine Governor John Baldacci has signed LD 1620, which protects health insurance consumers from annual and lifetime health benefit caps. In addition, Baldacci established by executive order two entities to expand and coordinate health information technology in the state: a health information technology coordinator and a Health Information Steering Committee to advise the coordinator.

"This is an important step in reaching our goal to increase quality and efficiency in health care delivery," said Governor Baldacci. "With our public and private partners, we have been working hard to improve care that all Maine people receive. All together, the additional funds and the creation of the state infrastructure to support and plan for collaborative efforts to advance health information technology will help Maine meet the goals of the state and the federal government."

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has signed House Bill 231, to develop capacity to provide specialized psychiatric care for Kentucky children who are being treated out of state. The bill explains needed services in Kentucky and provides a State Certificate of Need process, for facilities to apply for specialized beds to meet the needs of the children so they can be treated in-state.

Beshear said, "This bill will build the capacity necessary to bring children back home, and does it in a budget neutral fashion for the foreseeable future."

In Virginia, Governor Bob McDonnell signed into law legislation which will expand telemedicine coverage for Virginians. SB 675 provides that health insurers will cover and reimburse for telemedicine health care services. The Governor said, "This growing medical field utilizes modern technology to ensure that all Virginians are properly diagnosed and treated no matter where they live and in a cost-efficient manner. Telemedicine brings the best doctors into every clinic and hospital in our commonwealth at the click of a mouse. These are tough economic times."

In national affairs, as of close of Senate business on Tuesday, the vote on the extension of delaying the Physicians Medicare reimbursement cut and extending COBRA insurance benefits has not yet taken place. Further debate should take place on Wednesday with a vote hoped for this week.(See, DM 12285)

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