Two health-related bills advance in Legislature
Two health-related measures, stuck near the bottom of the legislative pile, got a push into the limelight Friday.
One was aimed at protecting kids and one helps adults.
* All children who spend time in daycare next year must get one more shot — immunization against invasive pneumococcal disease, or IPD, a disease that can lead to meningitis and death.
* Health insurance companies will be required to cover colon cancer screening.
In quick succession, senators added the two health-related requirements to a bill (LB247) headed for passage this year.
Infants and toddlers are at higher risk for IPD because these diseases are easily passed among children by sneezing or hand-to-mouth contact, said Lincoln Sen. Danielle Nantkes, sponsor of the measure.
Symptoms include chills, fever, pain, breathing difficulties and a cough. Infants and children may have fever, vomiting and convulsions. IPD can lead to meningitis, ear infections and even pneumonia, deafness and brain damage, Nantkes said.
The vaccination has been effective in reducing the disease, Nantkes said.
Parents are already asked to provide proof to daycare providers their child is protected against eight other diseases by immunization. The bill would add a ninth.
Colon cancer screening saves lives, said Lincoln Sen. DiAnna Schimek, sponsor of a bill requiring insurance to cover the screening.
The five-year survival rate for colon cancer is 90 percent if it is caught in the earliest stages, Schimek said.
Both measures were added to what is often referred to as a Christmas tree bill, a measure that includes a number of previously separate bills.
Christmas tree bills are fairly common near the end of a legislative session as senators scramble to get bills across the finish line.
By the time senators gave the measure its second-round vote Thursday, it included six separate bills and earned a few words of caution.
Bills are supposed to contain one subject, Sen. Chris Langemeier of Schuyler pointed out. This bill stretches that limit, he said.
Reach Nancy Hicks at 473-7250 or nhicks@journalstar.com.
One was aimed at protecting kids and one helps adults.
* All children who spend time in daycare next year must get one more shot — immunization against invasive pneumococcal disease, or IPD, a disease that can lead to meningitis and death.
* Health insurance companies will be required to cover colon cancer screening.
In quick succession, senators added the two health-related requirements to a bill (LB247) headed for passage this year.
Infants and toddlers are at higher risk for IPD because these diseases are easily passed among children by sneezing or hand-to-mouth contact, said Lincoln Sen. Danielle Nantkes, sponsor of the measure.
Symptoms include chills, fever, pain, breathing difficulties and a cough. Infants and children may have fever, vomiting and convulsions. IPD can lead to meningitis, ear infections and even pneumonia, deafness and brain damage, Nantkes said.
The vaccination has been effective in reducing the disease, Nantkes said.
Parents are already asked to provide proof to daycare providers their child is protected against eight other diseases by immunization. The bill would add a ninth.
Colon cancer screening saves lives, said Lincoln Sen. DiAnna Schimek, sponsor of a bill requiring insurance to cover the screening.
The five-year survival rate for colon cancer is 90 percent if it is caught in the earliest stages, Schimek said.
Both measures were added to what is often referred to as a Christmas tree bill, a measure that includes a number of previously separate bills.
Christmas tree bills are fairly common near the end of a legislative session as senators scramble to get bills across the finish line.
By the time senators gave the measure its second-round vote Thursday, it included six separate bills and earned a few words of caution.
Bills are supposed to contain one subject, Sen. Chris Langemeier of Schuyler pointed out. This bill stretches that limit, he said.
Reach Nancy Hicks at 473-7250 or nhicks@journalstar.com.
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