The House Health Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Bronna Kahle (R-Adrian), reported the MHA-supported Senate Bill (SB) 759 to the full House Dec. 9. Before the bill was reported, Adam Carlson, senior vice president of advocacy, MHA, and Sean Gehle, regional vice president, advocacy and government relations, Trinity Health, provided testimony urging support for SB 759 and discussing its importance in continuing care for patients during the pandemic.
SB 759 codifies into law a flexibility granted by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Professional Licensing that has been imperative in fighting the workforce shortage. In March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LARA activated its statutory authority given in the Public Health Code that allows it to grant licensure exemptions “in a time of disaster” such as a pandemic. This permits out-of-state providers who are in good standing and trained, educated and experienced to render medical care in Michigan without a Michigan license.
The LARA provision is set to expire Jan. 11. The MHA has worked collaboratively with the administration to continue to allow hospitals and health systems the ability to quickly and efficiently recruit out-of-state workers during this public health emergency. SB 759 is now awaiting a vote in the full House. Members with questions should contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.