Legislation increasing penalties for violence committed against healthcare workers was approved by the state House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote during the week of Oct. 30. The MHA-supported bills increase fines for assaulting a healthcare professional or volunteer, doubling the current fines for assault and assault with a deadly weapon. House Bills (HBs) 4520 and 4521 were introduced by Reps. Kelly Breen (D-Novi) and Mike Mueller (R-Linden). A substitute adopted in committee expanded the care locations covered by the increased fines to include behavioral health facilities. Addressing violence against healthcare workers and deterring potential attacks continues to be an MHA priority. HBs 4520 and 4521 will now be transmitted to the Governor for her signature.
The House Health Policy Committee advanced legislation related to fetal and maternal health. HBs 5166-5173 propose several changes to state law specific to birthing parents and babies. Notably, several bills saw action in committee while stakeholders continue to work with the sponsors and committee chair on others. Several bills were approved by the committee and now move to consideration on the House floor by the full chamber:
- HB 5169, sponsored by Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids), would allow for mental health screenings in appropriate settings during the postpartum period. Based upon recommendations from the MHA Council on Children’s Health, the bill sponsor made several amendments to clarify timelines, recognize clinical guidance and provide flexibility in screening tools. The MHA is supportive of the amended bill.
- HB 5172, sponsored by Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker), would establish a state program for recognizing birthing hospitals based upon their verification through the Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care. The MHA secured amendments to ensure the program is voluntary and to establish criteria to provide incentive payments to hospitals that pursue verification. The MHA supports the legislation.
- HB 5173, sponsored by Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), would require hospitals to provide an informational form developed by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services on the insurance enrollment process for coverage of newborns. Hospitals would be required to provide the information to parents of a child born in the hospital when the child is not covered by insurance. The MHA is neutral on this legislation following alterations made by the bill sponsor.
- HBs 5167 and 5168, sponsored by Reps. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) and Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), allow for coverage of blood pressure monitors by commercial insurance and Medicaid for individuals who are pregnant or within the postpartum period. The MHA is supportive of this legislation.
The Senate Health Policy committee approved Senate Bill (SB) 482, sponsored by Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), which lifts the state’s 90 day disposal requirement on sharps containers. The MHA membership voiced concerns about the 90-day disposal requirement, sharing that it would lead to sealing and disposing of containers before they reached their ¾ fill mark. The FDA regulated containers can be costly and difficult to obtain, as hospitals experienced following a manufacturing facility fire, and further disposal of an underutilized container contributes to unnecessary and preventable medical waste. The MHA worked directly with Sen. McDonald Rivet on this legislation, based on the feedback of hospitals who shared concerns about cost, access and environmental impact. The MHA is supportive of this important policy change that will directly benefit the membership.
In addition, the Senate Health Policy Committee took testimony on SBs 633 – 637, which would allow Michigan to establish a state based health insurance exchange. 17 states and the District of Columbia currently operate state-based marketplaces and another three state have state-based exchanges that use the federal platform. Proponents argue the state exchange would provide more flexibility in state plan design and Medicaid enrollment, while concerns were raised about the cost of the program. The MHA has not taken a position on the legislation.
Members with any questions may contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.