The full House passed Senate Bill (SB) 759 Dec. 14 and it now awaits the governor’s signature. Introduced by Sen. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) and supported by the MHA, SB 759 would codify a provision that has given hospitals flexibility to appropriately respond to the pandemic; however, the provision is set to expire Jan. 11.
In March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs activated its statutory authority given in the Public Health Code that allows it to grant licensure exemptions “in a time of disaster” such as a pandemic. This permits licensed out-of-state providers who are in good standing and trained, educated and experienced to render medical care in Michigan without a Michigan license. The MHA greatly appreciates the collaborative work with the administration to codify this flexibility into law and expressed its gratitude in a letter submitted to the Executive Office of the Governor. The letter thanks Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her continued partnership in battling COVID-19 and urges her to quickly sign SB 759, which would allow hospitals and health systems to recruit out-of-state workers quickly and efficiently. Members with questions should contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.