Healthcare

HB 1097 updates the state's chronic disease registry to include Parkinson's disease by adding it to the legal definition of "chronic disease" under the registry program. This change directly affects individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, as their condition will now be tracked in the state's health data system. The bill modifies the registry's scope through a definitional update, without creating new programs or funding. It ensures Parkinson's disease is included in existing data collection efforts for chronic illness tracking.

Allows an individual's spouse, legal guardian, friend, relative, or medical service provider to petition a court for involuntary substance use disorder treatment. Requires a petition to include certain information and allows a court to dismiss a petition, without prejudice, if it does not contain the required information. Requires the court to appoint a public defender if the individual subject to a petition seeking involuntary substance use disorder treatment is not represented by an attorney. Requires a court to order the individual to be evaluated by a medical provider if the court finds that: (1) the individual has a substance use disorder; (2) because of the individual's substance use disorder, the individual is experiencing impaired judgment and is unable to independently maintain the individual's activities of daily living or is a danger to self or others; and (3) the individual refuses to voluntarily participate in substance use disorder treatment. Allows a court to order a local law enforcement agency to consider whether an individual meets the criteria for emergency detention under certain circumstances. Requires a medical provider who completes an evaluation concerning an individual's need for substance use disorder treatment to submit the evaluation to the court. Specifies that after receiving an evaluation from a medical provider, the court may dismiss the petition or set a hearing for further evidence to be presented about the individual's need for substance use disorder treatment. Requires a court to order involuntary outpatient substance use disorder treatment for a period, not to exceed 90 days, if medical evidence supports that the individual requires immediate treatment for a substance use disorder and the individual has refused treatment.

Allows individuals with a terminal illness who meet certain requirements to make a request to an attending provider for medication that the individual may self-administer to bring about death. Specifies requirements a provider must meet in order to prescribe the medication to a patient. Prohibits an insurer from denying payment of benefits under a life insurance policy based upon a suicide clause in the life insurance policy if the death of the insured individual is the result of medical aid in dying. Establishes a Level 1 felony if a person: (1) without authorization of the patient, willfully alters, forges, conceals, or destroys a request for medication or a rescission of a request for medication with the intent or effect of causing the individual's death; or (2) knowingly or intentionally coerces or exerts undue influence on an individual to request medication to bring about death or to destroy a rescission of a request for medication to bring about death. Establishes a Class A misdemeanor if a person, without authorization of the patient, willfully alters, forges, conceals, or destroys a request for medication or a rescission of a request for medication in order to affect a health care decision by the individual. Establishes certain criminal and civil immunity for health care providers.

Provides that a policy of accident and sickness insurance and health maintenance organization that require an insured to select a primary care provider to receive coverage may permit an insured to select a participating provider who is a physical therapist to provide physical therapy services or an occupational therapist to provide occupational therapy services.

HB 1134 amends the legal definition of "treatment of a mental illness or substance abuse" within specific sections of Indiana's insurance laws. This change directly affects insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatments by altering how these services are categorized under the law. The key mechanism is updating the definition in the Indiana Code, which could impact how insurers determine coverage requirements for these treatments. The bill does not create new coverage mandates but adjusts the existing legal framework governing insurance policies. It is currently referred to the Committee on Insurance for further review.

Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to apply, not later than October 1, 2026, for approval of a Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver or any other Medicaid waiver to provide coverage for nutrition supports for specified individuals.

Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to apply, not later than October 1, 2026, for approval of a Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver to provide coverage for health related social needs.

Removes the requirement that an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) have a practice agreement with a collaborating physician. Removes a provision requiring an APRN to operate under a collaborative practice agreement or the privileges granted by a hospital governing board. Removes certain provisions concerning the audit of practice agreements. Allows an APRN with prescriptive authority to prescribe a schedule II controlled substance for weight reduction or to control obesity. Makes conforming changes.

Provides that: (1) any amount of health care debt owed or alleged to be owed by a consumer; or (2) in an action against a consumer in which a judgment has been entered, any amount of the judgment that represents health care debt determined to be owed by the consumer; does not constitute a lien against the consumer's principal residence. Provides that in any action filed, in a court of competent jurisdiction in Indiana, for the recovery of health care debt owed or alleged to be owed by a consumer, the principal residence of the consumer is not liable to judgment or attachment or to be sold on execution against the consumer.

Prohibits health practitioners and other specified individuals from performing pelvic, prostate, or rectal examinations on an anesthetized or unconscious patient except in specified circumstances. Specifies the requirements of a notice of informed consent.