Nevada lawmakers discuss Senate Bill 192 on equitable healthcare access for deaf community
May 26, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Assembly Committee on Health and Human Services convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 192, a piece of legislation aimed at improving healthcare access for individuals with hearing impairments, particularly during childbirth. The meeting featured a range of testimonies from various stakeholders, highlighting the bill's potential impact on the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Chancellor Patricia Charlton of the Nevada System of Higher Education opened the testimony in support of the bill, expressing gratitude to Senator Neal for her leadership. She emphasized the importance of the legislation in fostering equity within healthcare settings. Similarly, representatives from the University of Nevada Reno and the University of Nevada Las Vegas echoed this sentiment, underscoring the collaborative efforts involved in the bill's development and its significance for diverse populations.
A key point raised during the meeting was the urgent need for qualified sign language interpreters in healthcare environments. Testimony from the Nevada Commission for Persons who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing highlighted ongoing complaints about the lack of access to interpreters, which can severely impact communication during critical moments such as childbirth. The commission's chair, a parent of a deaf child, urged the committee to support the bill to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Catherine Nielsen, Executive Director of the Nevada Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, further emphasized the bill's role in promoting inclusive and respectful birthing care. She pointed out that inadequate communication can pose risks to both parents and infants, making it essential to establish consistent standards across all birthing facilities.
While the majority of testimonies were in support of the bill, there was notable opposition regarding a specific provision requiring EKG screenings for student athletes. Erin Bailey from the Nevada chapter of the American College of Cardiology raised concerns about the effectiveness of mandatory screenings, citing potential false positives and negatives that could lead to unnecessary healthcare costs and restrictions on young athletes. She also highlighted the current lack of trained healthcare providers in the state to accurately interpret EKG results.
The meeting concluded with no opposition testimony presented, indicating a strong consensus among supporters of Senate Bill 192. As the committee moves forward, the discussions reflect a growing commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and equity for all Nevadans, particularly those with unique communication needs. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the bill and addressing the concerns raised about the EKG screening provision.
Chancellor Patricia Charlton of the Nevada System of Higher Education opened the testimony in support of the bill, expressing gratitude to Senator Neal for her leadership. She emphasized the importance of the legislation in fostering equity within healthcare settings. Similarly, representatives from the University of Nevada Reno and the University of Nevada Las Vegas echoed this sentiment, underscoring the collaborative efforts involved in the bill's development and its significance for diverse populations.
A key point raised during the meeting was the urgent need for qualified sign language interpreters in healthcare environments. Testimony from the Nevada Commission for Persons who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing highlighted ongoing complaints about the lack of access to interpreters, which can severely impact communication during critical moments such as childbirth. The commission's chair, a parent of a deaf child, urged the committee to support the bill to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Catherine Nielsen, Executive Director of the Nevada Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, further emphasized the bill's role in promoting inclusive and respectful birthing care. She pointed out that inadequate communication can pose risks to both parents and infants, making it essential to establish consistent standards across all birthing facilities.
While the majority of testimonies were in support of the bill, there was notable opposition regarding a specific provision requiring EKG screenings for student athletes. Erin Bailey from the Nevada chapter of the American College of Cardiology raised concerns about the effectiveness of mandatory screenings, citing potential false positives and negatives that could lead to unnecessary healthcare costs and restrictions on young athletes. She also highlighted the current lack of trained healthcare providers in the state to accurately interpret EKG results.
The meeting concluded with no opposition testimony presented, indicating a strong consensus among supporters of Senate Bill 192. As the committee moves forward, the discussions reflect a growing commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and equity for all Nevadans, particularly those with unique communication needs. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the bill and addressing the concerns raised about the EKG screening provision.
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