Pre-Filed State Legislation Addresses Radiology Issues

Radiologists can get an early understanding about what is store in 2016 on state legislative and regulatory fronts by examining pre-filed bills and ongoing rule-making. A vast majority of state legislatures use bill pre-filing as a way to expedite their legislative processes. The rules for bill pre-filing may vary from state-to-state, but nearly all states recognize the benefits of bill pre-filing systems. Pre-filing a bill gives legislative staff more time to draft and to format the legislation. Paperwork needed to introduce a bill, such as collecting co-sponsor signatures and processing committee of jurisdiction assignments, can be completed early. After committee assignments are made, legislators can compile agenda schedules and can begin deliberations right at the start of the legislative session. Some legislators choose not to use the opportunity to pre-file legislation, and some states do not have bill introduction deadlines in place. As illustrated by pre-filed bills in Wisconsin, Missouri and Washington State, pre-filing can help radiologists prepare now for legislative activity planned for next year.