The Nevada AAP State Child Health Policy Agenda 2023
The Nevada AAP surveyed chapter members to create the PDF below. The blueprint reflects on the State of Children in 2023 and recommends policies to promote healthy children, support secure families, build strong communities, and enhance the position of Nevada as a leading state for children.
The Nevada AAP works closely with the Children's Advocacy Alliance during the state legislative session. We appreciate their bill tracker and highly recommend that chapter members utilize it.
In October of 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), along with the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the Children’s Hospital Association declared a national emergency in children’s mental health, citing the serious toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on top of existing challenges. On Tuesday, March 14, Nevada AAP Executive Director Leann McAllister gave testimony in support of AB37 to address the crisis shortage of behavioral health services in Nevada.
The Nevada Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics supports adding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) as a definition of developmental disability. On Monday, March 6, Nevada AAP Executive Director Leann McAllister gave testimony in support of AB137 and included this link to more information and the video we made explaining the diagnosis to parents in our written testimony.
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly encourages collaboration between pediatricians and mental health specialists to determine the best course of treatment of patients. On Monday, February 20, Nevada AAP Executive Director Leann McAllister gave testimony in support of AB138 which opens collaboration codes for behavioral health care.
The American Academy of Pediatrics supports financial subsidies for adoptive foster parents which may specifically support medical and/or psychiatric care, counseling or therapy, special equipment, tutoring programs, or other support services that may help children who have special needs. On Monday, March 13, Nevada AAP Executive Director Leann McAllister gave testimony in support of AB255 which extends existing subsidies to Nevada families.
On Tuesday, February 21, the Nevada Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics offered neutral testimony on AB53 to give lawmakers context around why it is critical that we prevent youth under 21 years of age from purchasing e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Every student needs to know how crucial it is to let their coach, athletic trainer, teacher, or parent know if they have hit their head or have symptoms of a head injury—even if it means stopping play, study, or work. SB80 sends the message: Never ignore a head injury, no matter how minor. On Wednesday, March 15, Nevada AAP Executive Director Leann McAllister gave testimony in support of SB80.
The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the right of an adolescent to access an abortion to terminate an unintended pregnancy. On Monday, February 20, Nevada AAP Executive Director Leann McAllister gave testimony in support of SB131 which strengthens access in Nevada.
The American Academy of Pediatrics works toward all children and adolescents, regardless of gender identity or expression, receiving care to promote optimal physical, mental, and social well-being. Any discrimination based on gender identity or expression, real or perceived, is damaging to the socioemotional health of children, families, and society. On Wednesday, March 15, Nevada AAP Executive Director Leann McAllister gave testimony in support of SB163 which requires insurance plans to offer coverage for health care that is specific to the needs of youth who identify as transgender and gender diverse (TGD), including coverage for medical, psychological, and, when indicated, surgical gender-affirming interventions.
Everyone – including teenagers -- deserves the right to confidential medical care that best supports their own needs and is informed by their physician’s expertise. On Thursday, March 9, Nevada AAP submitted written testimony in support of SB172.
It is NOT safe to leave a young child alone in a car for any length of time. If you see an unattended child in a car and are concerned, you should immediately call 911. On Thursday, March 16, Nevada AAP gave testimony in support of SB190.
This video was created for the members of the Nevada Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics interested in getting more involved with the advocacy work in our state.