The Senate introduced MHA-driven legislation protecting the 340B program and the House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) legislation during the week of Feb. 17.
The Senate introduced Senate Bill (SB) 94, sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), on Feb. 20. This legislation ensures protections from drug manufacturer overreach for hospitals and community health clinics participating in the 340B program in Michigan. The bill is vital for hospitals that serve vulnerable populations, helping them stretch scarce resources to care for more patients. SB 94 safeguards the program, ensuring cost savings and preserving access to affordable healthcare services in both urban and rural Michigan communities. Further, this legislation adds first-of-its-kind pharmaceutical manufacturer transparency requirements, making Michigan’s legislation the strongest in the nation.
The Senate paired SB 94 with SB 95, sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Allen), which requires hospital compliance with federal cost transparency laws. The MHA continues to advocate for the 340B program and support Michigan hospitals’ efforts to expand access to quality, community-based care. Members are encouraged to contact their lawmakers in support of this legislation.
In addition, the House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on House Bill (HB) 4032, introduced by Rep. Rylee Linting (R-Grosse Ile), during the committee’s first meeting of the new session. Adam Carlson, senior vice president, Advocacy, MHA, testified in support of the legislation to eliminate the sunset on the interstate medical licensure compact, which streamlines the licensing process and allows physicians licensed in one state to practice in multiple, participating states.
By removing additional licensing requirements for physicians seeking to practice across state lines, patients experience increased access to care, especially in rural and underserved areas, by physicians included in the compact. States involved in the compact can share disciplinary and investigative information through the state medical board to strengthen public protection for patients and the program. Michigan’s participation in the compact is currently set to expire March 28, 2025. The MHA supports this legislation and is working quickly with legislators to move it through the legislative process before the compact’s current expiration date.
Members with questions may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.