Nevada Senate discusses bill for non-invasive prenatal testing coverage without prior authorization
May 26, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss significant legislative proposals impacting healthcare and labor rights in Nevada. The meeting featured two primary bills: Senate Bill 172, which addresses collective bargaining rights, and Senate Bill 344, which mandates health insurance coverage for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).
During the discussion on Senate Bill 172, Susie Martinez emphasized the need to protect workers, stating that while the legislation aims to support businesses and farmers, it must also prioritize the welfare of human workers who sustain these industries. Senator Ed Forrest clarified that the bill does not mandate collective bargaining but allows workers the option to choose it, reinforcing the importance of worker autonomy in decision-making.
The committee then shifted focus to Senate Bill 344, presented by Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro. This bill seeks to require health insurers to cover NIPT without prior authorization, making it accessible to all pregnant individuals, regardless of risk factors. Cannizzaro highlighted the advantages of NIPT, which offers a safer and more accurate method for detecting chromosomal abnormalities early in pregnancy through a simple blood draw, as opposed to more invasive procedures like amniocentesis.
Dr. Joseph Adashek, a high-risk pregnancy specialist, supported the bill, noting that NIPT has a 90-95% accuracy rate and can provide critical information much earlier in the pregnancy. He pointed out that many states already cover this testing, and Nevada is among the few that do not. Adashek argued that the bill would not only improve patient care but could also reduce overall healthcare costs by eliminating the need for multiple follow-up tests and procedures.
The committee's discussions underscored the importance of balancing business interests with worker rights and the need for comprehensive healthcare coverage for expectant parents. As the legislative session progresses, the outcomes of these bills could significantly impact labor relations and prenatal care in Nevada.
During the discussion on Senate Bill 172, Susie Martinez emphasized the need to protect workers, stating that while the legislation aims to support businesses and farmers, it must also prioritize the welfare of human workers who sustain these industries. Senator Ed Forrest clarified that the bill does not mandate collective bargaining but allows workers the option to choose it, reinforcing the importance of worker autonomy in decision-making.
The committee then shifted focus to Senate Bill 344, presented by Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro. This bill seeks to require health insurers to cover NIPT without prior authorization, making it accessible to all pregnant individuals, regardless of risk factors. Cannizzaro highlighted the advantages of NIPT, which offers a safer and more accurate method for detecting chromosomal abnormalities early in pregnancy through a simple blood draw, as opposed to more invasive procedures like amniocentesis.
Dr. Joseph Adashek, a high-risk pregnancy specialist, supported the bill, noting that NIPT has a 90-95% accuracy rate and can provide critical information much earlier in the pregnancy. He pointed out that many states already cover this testing, and Nevada is among the few that do not. Adashek argued that the bill would not only improve patient care but could also reduce overall healthcare costs by eliminating the need for multiple follow-up tests and procedures.
The committee's discussions underscored the importance of balancing business interests with worker rights and the need for comprehensive healthcare coverage for expectant parents. As the legislative session progresses, the outcomes of these bills could significantly impact labor relations and prenatal care in Nevada.
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