A variety of bills impacting hospitals and health systems were introduced and discussed in the state legislature during the week of Sept. 23.
Senate Bill (SB) 701, introduced by Sen. Singh (D-East Lansing), updates the statutory framework for the rural and obstetrical access pools funded in the fiscal year 2025 state budget. The MHA supports SB 701 as an additional statutory clarification to highlight the importance of funding for rural providers. The bill now goes to the governor for her signature.
The Senate Health Policy Committee took testimony on SB 1006, introduced by Senator McMorrow (D-Royal Oak), which would require hospitals to stock and offer intrauterine devices (IUDs) for birth control immediately postpartum. The testimony focused on the potential efficacy of the procedure and the potential risks to the patient. The MHA has not yet taken a position on the legislation and has expressed concerns regarding provider discretion, appropriate settings and potential supply chain disruptions. The committee did not take a vote on the legislation.
House Bill (HB) 5964 was introduced by Rep. Conlin (D-Ann Arbor). The legislation would repeal the sunset on the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which allows physicians who are licensed and in good standing to practice in any compact state without first getting a state specific license. The MHA supported bill was referred to the House Health Policy Committee.
Rep. Young (D-Detroit) introduced HB 5999, which would prohibit mandatory overtime for nurses working in Michigan’s hospitals. The MHA is opposed to this one-size-fits-all prohibition that does not account for national workforce shortages, risk of patient harm or new restrictions on employer discretion as a result of citizen-initiated laws on earned sick time. The MHA continues to work with lawmakers to understand the impact this bill, along with government mandated nurse staffing ratios, will have on access to healthcare in Michigan. The bill was referred to the House Labor Committee.
Members with questions can reach out to Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.