House approves hospital 'safety net'

COLUMBUS - The House unanimously approved reviving a "safety net" for hospitals and physicians in case a major medical malpractice insurer pulls out of the state.

The bill, now headed to the Senate after Wednesday's 92-0 vote, would require transferring $12 million from a former state-backed medical malpractice program and putting it in trust if the Ohio Department of Insurance needs to revive the program.

Bill would provide for local sales taxes

INDIANAPOLIS - A legislator sparked fresh debate Wednesday with a proposal that would allow Indiana counties, cities and towns to impose their own sales tax and other taxes if half the revenue is used to replace property taxes. Democratic Rep. Markt Lytle of Madison acknowledged he faced an uphill battle selling the concept.

Bill would require more caregivers

FRANKFORT - Legislation being introduced in the House and Senate would require many nursing homes to hire more nursing aides and other "front-line caregivers."

Industry officials said the legislation, if enacted, would amount to micromanagement by the state.