Bill

HB 810

85(R) - 2017
House Public Health
Senate Health & Human Services
House Public Health
Senate Health & Human Services
Department of Health
Health
Health & Human Services
Healthcare

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Positive

Author(s)

Tan Parker

Sponsor(s)

Paul Bettencourt

Bill Caption

Relating to the provision of certain investigational stem cell treatments to patients with certain severe chronic diseases or terminal illnesses and regulating the possession, use, and transfer of adult stem cells; creating a criminal offense. 

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

This bill would allow patients with severe chronic illnesses (as designated by the executive commissioner of Health and Human Services) or terminal illness to have access investigational stem cell treatment with the recommendation of the patient's physician and written informed consent.

This bill would not create a new cause of action, and prohibits action against a physician's license based on their recommendation to a patient regarding investigational stem cell treatment. The bill would prohibit government interference with an eligible patient's access or use of investigational stem cell treatment. Lastly the bill would make it a criminal offense (Class A misdemeanor) to buy or sell adult stem cells for use in an investigational stem cell treatment. Exceptions to this section would include fees paid to physicians  or other medical personnel for services rendered, reimbursement for legal or medical expenses incurred for the benefit of the receiver of the investigational stem cell treatment, and reimbursement for expenses of travel, housing, or lost wages incurred by the donor of adult stem cells in connection with their process of donation. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill represents a deregulation of the healthcare market and increased access for patients with severe chronic disease or terminal illness to treatments that could help cure them or alleviate symptoms. This supports limited government and individual liberty, therefore we support this bill.