Legislative Update: 2/27/13

• Over 100 pediatricians and pediatric residents from around the state gathered in St. Paul at the State Capitol on February 13 for the annual Pediatrician’s Day at the Capitol.   Attendees heard from MN AAP chapter leaders as well as committee chairs from the House HHS Policy Committee and the Senate Education Policy Committee.  Following a discussion of the chapter’s 2013 legislative priorities, many attendees met with their own legislators or watched committee hearings.
• A bill to mandate pulse oximetry testing to detect congenital heart defects for all newborns prior to discharge from a hospital or birthing center has moved through two committees in the House of Representatives.  The bill is authored by Rep. Patti Fritz (DFL – Faribault) in close concert with Rep. Nick Zerwas (GOP – Elk River), who himself was born with a congenital heart defect.