HB 6644 Summary

• Creates and modifies the Biomedical Research Trust Fund to accept transfers from the Tobacco Settlement Fund and distribute grants to eligible institutions for research in heart disease, cancer, tobacco-related diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes, with grant amounts limited to 50% of total fund balance annually.

• Establishes a breast and cervical cancer early detection and treatment referral program within the Department of Public Health targeting unserved and underserved women (at or below 250% of federal poverty level, ages 21-64, without health insurance coverage).

• Expands the definition of eligible institutions regulated by the Department of Public Health to include homeopathic physicians and certified water treatment plant operators, removing their board oversight requirements.

• Modifies nursing home and residential care home regulations including background check requirements, IV therapy procedures, licensing fees for hospice facilities, strike contingency plans, patient transfer procedures, and receivership provisions.

• Updates continuing education requirements for dental hygienists, optometrists, and physicians; streamlines master social worker and homeopathic physician licensing; and clarifies scope of practice for nuclear medicine technologists and physician assistants.