Briefs
Beshear outlaws tianeptine known as ‘gas station heroin’
Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday issued an emergency regulation classifying tianeptine, known as “gas station heroin,” as a Schedule 1 controlled drug. In some countries the drug is prescribed in low doses to treat depression and anxiety. The?drug is not approved in the United States and in higher doses produces opioid-like effects and can lead […]
Kentucky governor signs biomarker testing for cancer patients into law?
Starting Jan. 1, Kentucky health plans will have to cover biomarker testing, which advocates have said can improve the state’s cancer statistics.? The General Assembly passed — and Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday signed into law — House Bill 180, which received bipartisan support during this legislative session.? Beshear called the legislation “another step forward […]
Beshear signs bill to address shortage of health care workers in Kentucky
Gov. Andy Beshear on Wednesday signed a bill aimed at addressing Kentucky’s health care workforce shortage.? House Bill 200, which received bipartisan support from legislators, will create a health care workforce fund with private-public partnership administered by the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE).? “This broad-reaching initiative helps nurses, nurses aides, mental health counselors, dental hygienist, […]
Ashland to host Appalachian Regional Commission conference?in September
Representatives from across Appalachia will convene in Ashland Sept. 11-12? for the Appalachian Regional Commission’s annual conference.? Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear announced the location, theme and date at the Delta Hotel in Downtown Ashland on Tuesday. He was joined by the commission’s federal co-chair Gayle Manchin. The conference theme is “Appalachia Rises: Resilience, Strength & […]
With funding release for State Fair Board project added, House approves postsecondary education study
FRANKFORT — House members joined senators in calling for a comprehensive review of Kentucky’s public postsecondary education system, but added provisions from a separate resolution that releases $180 million to the Kentucky State Fair Board for capital construction.? Senate Joint Resolution 98 received support from the House in a 96-0 vote Thursday. The call for […]
Beshear appoints former state Rep. Angela Hatton to Public Service Commission
Former state Rep. Angela C. Hatton of Whitesburg is the newest member of the Kentucky Public Service Commission. Gov. Andy Beshear signed the appointment March 10. Hatton, who will serve as the PSC’s vice chair, replaces Marianne Butler of Louisville whose appointment was not confirmed by the Senate. Hatton’s term ends July 1, 2025, according […]
House joins Senate in putting TikTok ban for Kentucky employees into law
FRANKFORT — With time running out for the 2023 General Assembly to pass bills, House members approved a measure to codify an executive and legislative branch ban on using TikTok. The House voted 96-3 on Senate Bill 20 Wednesday. Those who voted no were Democratic Reps. Cherlynn Stevenson, Lisa Willner and Sarah Stalker.? The bill’s […]
Postpartum depression bill has now cleared both Kentucky chambers
This story mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. FRANKFORT — A bill aimed at providing education and resources for new parents who may face postpartum depression has now cleared both Kentucky chambers.? Senate Bill 135, sponsored by Sen. Shelley […]
Bill to address physician burnout has now cleared both Kentucky chambers
?This story mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Gov. Andy Beshear signed this bill in March.? A Kentucky Senate bill aimed at preventing burnout among physicians has now cleared both chambers of the Kentucky General Assembly.? Republican-backed Senate Bill […]
Kentucky House approves sports gambling bill
FRANKFORT — Betting on sports would become legal in Kentucky, under a measure approved Monday by the state House. Although the prospects for House Bill 551 are uncertain in the Senate, it comfortably won bipartisan passage in the House by a 63-34 vote. The bill needed 60 votes, given that Kentucky statutes require bills raising […]
Bill addressing Kentucky’s health-care workforce shortages clears House?
A Kentucky bill aimed at addressing Kentucky’s health-care workforce shortages passed the House Wednesday 92-1.? House Bill 200 would create a health-care workforce fund through a private-public partnership administered by the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), the Lantern previously reported. Most of the money in the fund – 65% – would be reserved for educational […]
Kentucky House passes bill nixing any COVID-19 vaccine mandates for minors
A bill that would state only Kentucky parents or other guardians can make people under the age of 18 take?COVID-19 vaccines passed the House Tuesday 79-17. House Bill 101, sponsored by Shawn McPherson, R-Scottsville, states: “no person, entity, corporation, company, organization, or government agency, public or private, shall require or coerce in any manner any […]