The executive branch is currently reviewing a trio of measures that authorize peace officer status for security personnel at multiple health care facilities across the state. The bills, delivered to the governor, would expand the jurisdictional authority of designated security officers at facilities including St. Joseph’s Health Hospital, Albany Memorial Hospital, and Highland Hospital. If enacted, these measures would permit security staff to detain individuals and transport patients under specific law enforcement protocols.

In legislative committee action, lawmakers are advancing compliance mandates targeting medical conduct and public health infrastructure. A pending measure would expand the Department of Health’s authority to investigate and discipline licensed physicians and physician assistants, imposing documentation and reporting requirements on medical facilities. Concurrently, proposed legislation seeks to mandate standardized water treatment protocols and routine testing for Legionella bacteria across public water systems and institutional buildings.

Policymakers are also evaluating expansions to Medicaid home and community-based services to include adaptive aquatic safety instruction for individuals with disabilities. On the regulatory front, the State Commission of Correction finalized an adopted rule altering pharmaceutical protocols within correctional facilities. The regulatory change authorizes jail health care providers to dispense limited supplies of low-risk medications directly to incarcerated individuals, adjusting established medication management workflows.