HB 5537 - Public Health Statutes Revisions

• Corrects emergency medical services chapter reference from 386d to 368d and establishes civil penalties up to $100/day for non-compliance with data reporting requirements.

• Expands tattooing prohibitions to require licensure or temporary permit for practice; maintains existing restrictions on minors and unlicensed practitioners.

• Permits substance abuse treatment facilities to deliver methadone and related substance use treatment services to patients in nursing homes with Department of Public Health approval.

• Revises definitions of nursing homes, residential care homes, and behavioral health facilities in public health statutes; consolidates terminology across multiple statute sections.

• Establishes new professions including psychology technicians (administering/scoring objective tests under licensed psychologist supervision), music therapists, and art therapists with specific certification and scope limitations.

• Creates task forces and working groups to study medical records furnishing procedures, nail salon standards, and establishes a Diabetes Advisory Council within the Department of Public Health.