Tag: HB 5489

Governor Signs Several MHA Priorities Into Law

Member News

Gov. Whitmer signed several bills into law Dec. 22 that were supported by the MHA and passed during the lame-duck session. Among these were expansions to the Michigan Reconnect Program, legislation to allow for a new rural emergency hospital licensure designation and interstate licensure opportunities for psychologists.

House Bills (HBs) 6129 and 6130 – legislation to expand the Michigan Reconnect program – were signed by the governor. The Michigan Reconnect program is a post-secondary scholarship program designed to provide funding to learners over the age of 25 interested in pursuing credentials or post-secondary degrees at community colleges or eligible training programs. Introduced by Reps. Ben Frederick (R-Owosso) and Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), the package allows for several additional certifications to qualify for the scholarships including high-demand healthcare credentials. The MHA was supportive of the bills and will continue to advocate for future changes to lower the age of qualification for the program.

The legislation needed for hospitals to begin converting to Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs) in Michigan was also signed into law. Due to limited session days left, the language to allow for REH licensure in Michigan was officially included in Senate Bill (SB) 183. REHs are a new federal designation that will require hospitals to give up inpatient services in exchange for improved federal outpatient reimbursement. Members with questions about the federal rules for REH designation can contact Lauren LaPine at the MHA for more information.

Legislation to allow Michigan to join the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) was also approved by the governor. This will bring Michigan in line with 26 other states to create an expedited pathway to licensure for psychologists who wish to practice telepsychiatry across state lines. HBs 5488 and 5489 were introduced by Reps. Bronna Kahle (R-Adrian) and Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township) and supported by the MHA to help increase access to behavioral health services in Michigan.

Members with questions on these bills or any other lame duck action may reach out to Adam Carlson at the MHA.

 

House and Senate Continue Health Policy Testimony

Member News, Issues in Healthcare
capitol building

Health policy committees met during the week of June 6 to continue action on three bills that would impact hospitals.capitol building

Further testimony was taken on legislation to create a new state-based exchange for healthcare insurance in the House Health Policy Committee. House Bill (HB) 6112, introduced by Rep. Mark Tisdel (R-Rochester Hills), would create a new marketplace for Michigan consumers to buy healthcare insurance, opting the state out of the federal marketplace currently used. The new marketplace would be operated by a nonprofit whose board would initially be selected by the governor, Senate majority leader and speaker of the House. The nonprofit would be responsible for establishing bylaws for future replacement members. The MHA has not yet taken a position on the bill.

In the Senate, bills to allow Michigan to join the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) were up for a hearing. This compact is a legal agreement among states that creates an expedited pathway to licensure for psychologists who wish to practice telepsychiatry across state lines. HBs 5488 and 5489 were introduced by Reps. Bronna Kahle (R-Adrian) and Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township), respectively, and are supported by the MHA. No vote was held June 9, and the MHA will continue to monitor any action.

For more information on these and other state bills related to healthcare, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.