HB 6 Summary

• Eliminates requirement for separate pupil services license for certain licensed health professionals (speech-language pathologists, audiologists, nurses, physical/occupational therapists, and social workers) working in schools; requires $150 registration fee valid for five years with criminal records check.

• Requires written parental permission to administer COVID-19 vaccines to minors; expands pharmacist authority to administer COVID-19 vaccines to ages 7 and older (with prescription for ages 7-13) and allows pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 diagnostic tests and antibody tests.

• Extends temporary nursing licenses from emergency period through July 1, 2021, eliminating some license requirements for applicants who have not previously failed licensure exams.

• Allows educator preparation programs to provide alternative experiences (virtual learning, lesson design, simulations) to compensate for missed clinical experiences due to COVID-19 closures in 2021-2022 academic year.

• Re-establishes low-income energy efficiency programs for electric distribution utilities through December 31, 2021, with cumulative state savings target of 17.5% by specified date.