The MHA Legislative Policy Panel convened Oct. 6 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals.
The meeting was highlighted by a presentation from House Appropriations Chair Thomas Albert (R-Lowell), who reviewed the recently completed fiscal year 2022 state budget and provided an update on negotiations surrounding the supplemental budget appropriations process. There is nearly $11 billion in state and federal funding still available to be appropriated. Additional issues discussed by Albert included healthcare workforce sustainability and behavioral health.
Moving to action items, the panel recommended that the MHA support planned legislation that would allow family members to make healthcare decisions for incapacitated patients. The panel also discussed ongoing workforce staffing challenges and explored potential solutions.
Lastly, the panel received updates on issues at the state and federal levels, including a summary of recently secured state funds for hospitals, workforce sustainability, COVID-19 vaccination requirements and behavioral health.
For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.