The House and Senate appropriations committees advanced recommendations during the week of April 28 for the Department of Health and Human Services as a part of the state fiscal year 2025 budget.
The MHA is pleased to see that the appropriations committee’s budget recommendations continue vital funding for Medicaid, rural and critical access hospitals, obstetrical services and the Healthy Michigan Plan. Supporting Michigan’s Medicaid program will help maintain access to care for underserved populations throughout Michigan. Additionally, the budget proposals include funding to provide reimbursement for peer recovery coaches in the hospital setting to enhance substance use disorder services. The budgets now move to the full House and Senate chambers for consideration.
Legislation to create a licensure process for Michigan dietitians was signed into law by Governor Whitmer May 1. HB 4608, introduced by Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), creates a new license for individuals seeking to provide medical nutrition therapy in Michigan. Establishing the new license ensures access for Michigan patients by increasing opportunities for dietitians to be reimbursed for the services they provide. The MHA continues to support this legislation.
The House approved legislation that would enter Michigan into the Interstate Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy compacts. HBs 4169, 4170, 4504 and 4505 would have Michigan join 28 other states currently in the occupational therapy compact, and the 30 states currently in the physical therapy compact. The MHA supports legislation that would allow individuals licensed and in good standing in a compact state to practice in any other compact state without first obtaining an individual state license. The bills will now go to the Senate Health Policy Committee for consideration.
Members with questions can reach out to Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.