STATEHOUSE (March 14, 2018) — Senate Enrolled Act 96, authored by State Sen. Mike Delph (R-Carmel), passed the Senate today by a final vote of 46-0. Having passed the full House of Representatives yesterday, it now heads to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s office for consideration.
SEA 96 builds upon the state’s Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) pilot program to increase the number of service providers that may administer the treatment. Providers included in this program would be exempt from any liability, unless guilty of gross negligence or wanton and willful misconduct.
“Through this program, Hoosier veterans can get the care and attention they need,” Sen. Delph, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and The Military, said. “SEA 96 opens up the pilot to all Indiana veterans. HBOT could provide the relief needed to treat veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).”
This bill removes the time restriction previously in place for a veteran to receive the treatment and also extends the end date of the pilot from 2019 to 2020. Up to five providers that collectively represent the north, south, east, west and central areas of Indiana will be selected to administer the treatment under the program, and the providers would be required to perform the services using the grant awarded to them under the bill.
An individual veteran is eligible to begin treatment if the related event that caused the traumatic brain injury or PTSD is documented by a licensed physician.
HBOT is a medical treatment that enhances the body's natural healing process through inhalation of 100 percent oxygen in a total body chamber where atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled. The procedure increases oxygen in the body, under pressure, to encourage healing. Currently, HBOT is commonly used to treat carbon monoxide poisoning, divers’ sickness, enhanced healing of some wound problems, skin grafts, heat burns, crush injuries and other acute health-care issues that involve too little blood flow to a part of the body.
SEA 96 moves to the governor’s desk for further consideration.
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