The House Health Policy Committee held a testimony-only hearing Nov. 9 on mandated nurse staffing ratio legislation, House Bills 4550-4552. The proposed bills would mandate one-size-fits-all nurse staffing ratios for all Michigan hospitals. The legislation, which does not create more nurses nor solve staffing shortages, is opposed by the MHA as well as a diverse set of coalition partners including health plans, chambers of commerce, other nursing organizations and healthcare providers. As evidenced in California, where there is a shortage of 40,000 registered nurses despite the presence of mandated staffing ratios for 25 years, this is a proposed policy in search of serious problems. Michigan hospitals are currently trying to hire more than 8,400 nurses for vacant positions during a national workforce crisis. The MHA will continue to propose real solutions to address healthcare workforce vacancies and oppose proposals that negatively impact the health of communities across Michigan.
The MHA, several member hospital nurse leaders, the Michigan Organization of Nursing Leadership and American Nurses Association – Michigan testified in opposition. Further, nurses and nurse leaders from across the state joined the MHA in advocating against this effort. The impact the legislation will have on patients in the state is too serious to ignore; hospital nurses showed up in droves to share their concerns for their patients, their communities and Michigan’s access to care.
In conjunction with the testimony, the MHA released a letter on behalf of all Michigan hospitals and health systems signifying their unified opposition to proposed House Bills 4550-4552. This follows the announcement earlier this week of a comprehensive coalition of healthcare, business and advocacy organizations opposing the bills.
The legislature is scheduled to adjourn for the year on Tuesday, Nov. 14 and further voting for the calendar year is not anticipated. However, work on this issue won’t stop. Members are encouraged to continue to contact their legislators through the MHA Legislative Action Center, participate in legislator’s local coffee hours and town halls, and connect with other local leaders to encourage opposition to legislation that will reduce access to care and harm communities.
Members with any questions may contact Adam Carlson and Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.