The House Health Policy heard testimony from the MHA in support of creating a nurse licensure compact and the Senate voted to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in the state of Michigan during the week of April 20.
House Bill 4246, sponsored by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington), would create a nurse licensure compact agreement in the state of Michigan. Amy Brown, chief nursing officer, field engagement, MHA and Elizabeth Kutter, senior director, government and political affairs, MHA provided testimony April 23 in support of the bill during the House Health Policy Committee. Brown and Kutter discussed the importance of the compact in terms of nurse recruitment and patient access to care across state lines, especially with border states.
“In addition to recruitment and coordination of care in our state’s border areas, joining the Compact would positively benefit telehealth access,” Brown said. “Compact licensure means residents in Michigan can access more telehealth professionals in other compact states, increasing access points for our state’s residents.”
Currently, there are 41 states participating in the compact, putting Michigan at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to attracting and retaining talent in the nursing profession. This legislation awaits further testimony in the House Health Policy Committee before being taken up for a vote.
Additionally, the Michigan Senate passed legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). Senate Bills (SBs) 3–5 establish the board and require both commercial insurance and Medicaid to adhere to upper payment limits developed for certain prescription drugs being reviewed by the board. The objective of the PDAB is to provide more opportunities for prescription drug affordability for Michigan residents. The MHA worked closely with bill sponsors to secure key amendments that recognize hospitals as entities that face drug affordability challenges. Following the adoption of these important changes, the MHA supported SBs 3-5.
The Michigan Senate passed the Momnibus, a group of bills designed to improve support in prenatal and maternal healthcare during the week of April 13. The legislation includes SBs 29–39, which focus on addressing improving access to care and ensuring better patient outcomes for all birthing individuals.
The Momnibus makes several changes aimed at improving maternal healthcare, including creating opportunities for patients to directly engage in their treatment experience, implementing policies that support patient rights and providing funding to train more doulas to work in both urban and rural areas. The bills also expand midwifery services, improve data transparency about maternal health outcomes and protect patient rights related to pregnancy and childbirth. The MHA worked closely with the bill sponsors to improve access to maternal care and supported SBs 29, 30, 31, 36, 38 and 39. Both Senate bill packages will now move to the Michigan House of Representatives for further consideration. The MHA will continue to report on further action on this legislation.
Members with questions should contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.