Legislation was introduced in the state Senate Sept. 12 that would help hospitals reduce unnecessary waste and would attempt to control the rising price of certain drugs. Senate Bill (SB) 482 was introduced by Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City) and adds language to existing statute to clarify that sharps containers do not have to be disposed of within 90 days, as long as the container is at 3/4ths capacity or less. The legislation is intended to reduce waste generated from disposing sharps containers that have not been utilized to their full extent. Waivers were in place during the pandemic to allow for extended use of sharps containers and this legislative change would make that policy permanent. The MHA is supportive of the legislation that was referred to the Senate Health Policy Committee.
SBs 483 – 485 were led by Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), Sen. Kristen McDonal Rivet (D-Bay City) and Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe) and would create the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. This board would be empowered to create upper payment limits for drugs that meet certain criteria, including the rate of increase in price in previous years, their importance to healthcare consumers and other considerations. 12 other states have enacted similar laws and the new bills were referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection. The MHA is closely monitoring the bills and working with the sponsors to ensure they do not have a negative impact on hospitals or the availability of medications.
Members with any questions may contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.