Roundup of selected state health developments, fourth-quarter 2023

The end of 2023 saw no shortage of state health-related activity. Massachusetts modified its paid family and medical leave (PFML) law, while Colorado and Oregon issued guidance as PFML benefits became available in September 2023 and January 2024, respectively. Significant paid sick leave (PSL) changes occurred, with four cities amending ordinances and Minnesota providing resources for its earned sick and safe time law, which took effect Jan. 1. Prescription drug (Rx) issues arose in California, Hawaii and New York. California and Michigan enacted health insurance laws. California also authorized a study on universal healthcare financing. Illinois delayed a new pay/benefit parity law for temporary employees. As 2024 unfolds, the state legislative and regulatory landscape promises to remain busy. For more details, see Top 10 health, leave benefit compliance and policy issues in 2024 (Oct. 12, 2023), especially Sections 1 (Prescription drugs) and 7 (State-mandated paid leave and other state law trends).
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