Enacting ‘Hannah’s Law’
By Patty Ostberg
Sponsored by Rep. Mary Liz Holberg (R-Lakeville),
HF235 would require all care center teachers and assistant teachers to complete CPR training for infants and children, and at least one staff person with training must be present during field trips and when transporting children. The training would have to occur within 90 days after the start of employment, under the bill. Approved by the House Health and Human Services Reform Committee Feb. 22, the bill was sent to the House floor.
Current law only requires one person in a care center to be trained, and they don’t have to be present in the room.
Ron Edlund, Hannah’s grandfather, said the family wonders if the outcome would have been different if there had been at least one person in the room that was trained in CPR when Hannah died. “If this bill saves one child, Hannah will have a legacy, and it will be worth it,” he said.
Jerry Kerber, director of the Department of Human Services’ Licensing Division, said licensed home daycare providers are already required to have CPR training. However, he said, centers account for about half of the care for children in the state.
Rep. Bob Barrett (R-Shafer) asked if there would be any changes to how food portions are cut up for small children.
Kerber said the bill doesn’t address that issue, and there are fewer recommendations for how food is to be consumed as children age.
A companion,
SF381, sponsored by Sen. Dan Hall (R-Burnsville), awaits action by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.
Session Weekly More...
Related Stories
A positive balance
Omnibus health care law focuses on reform, restoring cuts and delaying pending cuts
(view full story)
Published 5/25/2012
Looking out for children and families
Law offers new safe haven option for newborns; addresses adoption and child safety
(view full story)
Published 5/25/2012
Caring for those who care for others
Omnibus health and human services bill remains a moving target
(view full story)
Published 3/30/2012
Nursing home funding models
Should residents who can afford to, pay more?
(view full story)
Published 3/23/2012
Minnesota Index: Smoking in the state
Facts and statistics on tobacco use in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 3/16/2012
Reform measures draw support
Health and human services reductions draw sharp DFL rebuke
(view full story)
Published 8/11/2011
Delivery of health and human services
Governor says proposal puts too many people in health care jeopardy
(view full story)
Published 7/15/2011
Surgical precision
HHS budget — end-of-session sticking point
(view full story)
Published 5/20/2011
Advocating for patients and constituents
Nurses as legislators add their perspective to health care issues
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2011
Aiming for reform
House approves omnibus health and human services finance bill
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
Omnibus game and fish bill approved
Deer hunting, two-line fishing provisions push people’s buttons
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
Care for underserved communities
Community paramedic program is a ‘first of its kind’ proponents say
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
A hand up in climb out of poverty
Bipartisan initiative looks to fund expansion of ‘Circles of Support’ program
(view full story)
Published 4/1/2011
Feature: A healthier Minnesota
Long-term savings the goal of statewide improvement plan
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011
At Issue: No access for all
Report says more oversight needed of state-funded non-emergency transportation
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011