Policy
GOAL: Ensure equitable access to health care for Nevadans.
NCC’s Policy Committee meets leading up to and during the Nevada legislative session, held every other year. The 83rd Legislative Session will take place in early 2025. Policy Committee members work together to identify legislative opportunities, educate policymakers, and support policies that promote health, reduce the burden of cancer, and ensure equitable access to healthcare for Nevadans.
Objectives:
Many of NCC’s policy objectives stem from the work of its collaboratives, align with objectives and strategies as detailed in Nevada’s Cancer Control Plan, and support additional cancer control efforts as needed.
Contact:
Cari Herington, Executive Director, cari@nevadacancercoalition.org
Current Policy Activities:
- Addition of Cologuard as colorectal cancer screening option for Nevada Medicaid - Letter of Support
Committee Accomplishments:
In 2023:
- SB330 increased access to breast cancer imaging for all Nevadans covered by private health insurance, including breast ultrasound and breast MRI, and including for secondary and supplemental screening.
- Supported: AB155 requires insurers to cover biomarker testing.
- Supported: SB118 increased funding for public health.
- Supported: SB194 allows practitioners to apply for exemptions to step therapy protocols and receive exemptions.
In 2021:
- SB 460 added back funding that had been cut from the state’s general fund due to COVID-19 deficits, re-funding essential work to prevent youth vaping.
- AB 187 designated the month of September as “Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Prevention and Awareness Month.”
- AB 471 clarified reporters to the Nevada Central Cancer Registry and established consistent funding to the program.
- AB 191 included in Medicaid coverage for the services of community health workers.
In 2019:
- SB 159, deemed the Sun Smart Bill, requires all schools to adopt written policy concerning safe exposure to the sun and outlines provisions required within the policy.
- SB 315 created the Rare Disease Advisory Council to raise awareness of childhood cancer and other rare diseases.
- AB 170 codified insurance coverage protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions or other health status factors.
- SB 482 allowed for reciprocal licensure for health plan carriers already licensed in neighboring states to ensure essential insurance is available to Nevadans.
- SCR 10, a Senate resolution, directed the Legislative Commission to study the feasibility, viability, and design of a public health insurance plan available to all Nevada residents.
In 2017:
- AB 214 established a program to increase participation by certain demographic groups in clinical trials.
- AB 245 increased access to biosimilars.
- AB 388 made a $500,000 per year appropriation to Women's Health Connection to increase breast and cervical cancer screening.
- AB 136 created the State of Nevada Advisory Council on Palliative Care and Quality of Life.