Sen. Kevin Hertel, chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee, presented virtually to the Legislative Policy Panel.
The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met Jan. 24 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals.
The meeting was highlighted by a presentation from Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-Saint Clair Shores). Hertel is the chair of the Senate Health Policy Committee and discussed several relevant healthcare issues. He was proud of his committee’s work in passing Senate Bill 482 out of the chamber in 2023, which would lift the state’s 90-day disposal requirement for sharps containers. The bill has been referred to the House Health Policy Committee. Hertel also mentioned several issues he expects to see attention in 2024, including activity around a state-based health insurance exchange marketplace, efforts to address staffing shortages and work around behavioral health.
Regarding action items, the panel made two recommendations. The first is for the MHA to support House Bill 5295, which would license certified anesthesiologist assistants in Michigan. The panel also recommends the MHA continue to engage with stakeholders regarding the creation of a licensure pathway for foreign trained medical professionals.
The panel received a federal update from Carlos Jackson with Cornerstone Government Affairs, as well as state legislative updates regarding the healthcare workforce, state budget and Medicaid funding.
For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.
MHA board member Beth Charlton, BSN, RN, provides testimony to the House Health Policy committee.
The House Health Policy Committee held a testimony-only hearing Nov. 9 on mandated nurse staffing ratio legislation, House Bills 4550-4552. The proposed bills would mandate one-size-fits-all nurse staffing ratios for all Michigan hospitals. The legislation, which does not create more nurses nor solve staffing shortages, is opposed by the MHA as well as a diverse set of coalition partners including health plans, chambers of commerce, other nursing organizations and healthcare providers. As evidenced in California, where there is a shortage of 40,000 registered nurses despite the presence of mandated staffing ratios for 25 years, this is a proposed policy in search of serious problems. Michigan hospitals are currently trying to hire more than 8,400 nurses for vacant positions during a national workforce crisis. The MHA will continue to propose real solutions to address healthcare workforce vacancies and oppose proposals that negatively impact the health of communities across Michigan.
The MHA, several member hospital nurse leaders, the Michigan Organization of Nursing Leadership and American Nurses Association – Michigan testified in opposition. Further, nurses and nurse leaders from across the state joined the MHA in advocating against this effort. The impact the legislation will have on patients in the state is too serious to ignore; hospital nurses showed up in droves to share their concerns for their patients, their communities and Michigan’s access to care.
Doug Dascenzo, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer, Trinity Health Michigan, provides testimony to the House Health Policy committee.
In conjunction with the testimony, the MHA released a letter on behalf of all Michigan hospitals and health systems signifying their unified opposition to proposed House Bills 4550-4552. This follows the announcement earlier this week of a comprehensive coalition of healthcare, business and advocacy organizations opposing the bills.
The legislature is scheduled to adjourn for the year on Tuesday, Nov. 14 and further voting for the calendar year is not anticipated. However, work on this issue won’t stop. Members are encouraged to continue to contact their legislators through the MHA Legislative Action Center, participate in legislator’s local coffee hours and town halls, and connect with other local leaders to encourage opposition to legislation that will reduce access to care and harm communities.
Legislation increasing penalties for violence committed against healthcare workers was approved by the full Michigan Senate in a bipartisan vote during the week of Oct. 23. The MHA-supported bills increase fines for assaulting a healthcare professional or volunteer, doubling the current fines for assault and assault with a deadly weapon. House Bills (HBs) 4520 and 4521 were introduced by Reps. Kelly Breen (D-Novi) and Mike Mueller (R-Linden). A substitute adopted in committee expanded the care locations covered by the increased fines to include behavioral health facilities. Addressing violence against healthcare workers and deterring potential attacks continues to be an MHA priority. HBs 4520 and 4521 now move to the House for a concurrence vote.
The House Health Policy Committee advanced legislation to provide payment parity for telehealth services and provide limitations on the ability of health plans to dictate site specific visit requirements. House Bills 4131, 4213, 4579 and 4580 would apply to Medicaid and commercial state regulated insurance plans. The MHA supported the package which will codify many provisions that were in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, while making additional changes that further support the ability of providers to serve their patients and protect in-person visits that are vital to health outcomes. The committee advanced the bills with a bipartisan vote, which now go to the full House floor for further consideration.
The committee also took testimony on a series of bills regarding maternal and infant health. House Bills 4728, 5027 and 5166-5173 propose several changes to state law specific to birthing parents and babies. Notably, several bills saw action in committee while stakeholders continue to work with the sponsors and committee chair on others. Those bills that saw committee action this week include:
House Bill 4728, sponsored by Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), which alters the requirements for testing a breast milk donor for HIV or an HIV antibody. The proposed legislation removes the requirement to test a donor quarterly while retaining the requirement for initial testing for potential donors. The MHA is supportive of this legislation.
House Bill 5173, sponsored by Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt), would require hospitals to provide an informational form developed by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services on the insurance enrollment process for coverage of newborns. Hospitals would be required to provide the information to parents of a child born in the hospital when the child is not covered by insurance. The MHA is neutral on this legislation following alterations made by the bill sponsor.
House Bills 5167 and 5168, sponsored by Reps. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) and Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), allow for coverage of blood pressure monitors by commercial insurance and Medicaid for individuals who are pregnant or within the postpartum period. The MHA is supportive of this legislation.
Lastly, the House Judiciary Committee took up Senate Bill 410, sponsored by Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor). SB 410 rescinds prescription drug product immunity from liability therefore allowing pharmaceutical drug product liability claims in the state. Current immunity has resulted in several complaints against manufacturers being dismissed. This legislation would allow complaints to move forward on their merits. The MHA is supportive of this legislation.
MHA EVP Laura Appel testifying in the Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee.
The Michigan Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee continued to hear testimony during the week of Oct. 9 on Senate Bills 530 and 531. Introduced by Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township) and Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), the legislation would clarify and increase Medicare hospital reimbursements, clarify the definition of Medicare and create a new post-acute care provider fee schedule. The committee heard testimony from Laura Appel, executive vice president of government relations and public policy, MHA, who stressed the importance of a strong healthcare system to care for auto accident patients.
“Hospitals across Michigan stand ready to care for victims of auto accidents,” said Appel. “Whether you’re located in Detroit, Grayling, Battle Creek or the Upper Peninsula, you need hospitals prepared to provide access to high quality care at a moment’s notice.” The committee has not yet taken a vote on the legislation and the MHA will continue to advocate for improvements to Michigan’s auto no-fault laws.
The House Health Policy Committee advanced several bills that would enter Michigan into interstate licensure compacts. The legislation included House Bills 4169 and 4170 for occupational therapists, introduced by Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township), and House Bills 4504 and 4505 for physical therapists, introduced by Rep. John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) and Rep. Dale Zorn (R-Onsted). The MHA supported both packages in keeping with broad support for interstate licensure compacts to assist with ongoing professional shortages. The legislation now awaits a vote from the full House.
Members with any questions may contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.
Healthcare legislative activity in the Michigan Legislature included hearings on auto no-fault and several other bills during the week of Oct. 2. The Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee held their first hearing on Senate Bills (SBs) 530 and 531. Introduced by Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) and Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), the legislation would adjust the hospital fee schedule, clarify the definition of Medicare and provide rate certainty for post-acute care providers. The MHA is supportive of this legislation and will be testifying in an upcoming committee hearing on the importance of hospital access for individuals involved in an auto accident.
The House Health Policy Committee voted out two MHA supported bills, House Bill (HB) 4101 and SB 384. Sponsored by Rep. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington), HB 4101 would increase the time a speech language pathologist’s temporary license can be active while they complete required training. SB 384, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), would prohibit insurers from discriminating against living organ donors. Further, the committee took testimony on two separate packages of bills. HBs 4131, 4213, 4579 and 4580 would increase telehealth access while HBs 4504, 4505, 4169 and 4170 would add Michigan to the interstate physical therapy and occupational therapy licensure compacts. The MHA is supportive of both the increases to telehealth access and licensure compact legislation.
The Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee took up SB 410, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), which would rescind prescription drug product immunity from liability, therefore allowing pharmaceutical drug product liability claims in the state. Current immunity has resulted in several complaints against manufacturers being dismissed. This legislation would allow complaints to move forward on their merits. The MHA is supportive of this legislation.
Lastly, the Senate Health Policy Committee took up SB 27, sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), which would ensure that behavioral health parity is meaningfully applied in Michigan. The MHA is supportive of this legislation as well as HB 4707, sponsored by Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Ann Arbor). Both bills look to expand and protect access to behavioral health services through insurance coverage parity.
Members with questions about state legislative action may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.
Several MHA-tracked bills were reported the week of June 19 from their respective policy committees. The bills address violence against healthcare workers, scope of practice for pharmacists, dietician licensure, behavioral health and the Healthy Michigan Plan.
In the House Criminal Justice Committee, House Bills (HBs) 4520 and 4521, introduced by Reps. Kelly Breen (D-Novi) and Mike Mueller (R-Linden), were voted out of the committee unanimously. The MHA-supported bills increase fines for assaulting a healthcare professional or volunteer, doubling the current fines for assault and assault with a deadly weapon. Addressing violence against healthcare workers and deterring potential attacks continues to be an MHA priority. HBs 4520 and 4521 now move to the House Floor for a full chamber vote.
In the House Health Policy Committee, a vote was held on a bill introduced by Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) that would increase access to vaccines and certain laboratory tests. Senate Bill (SB) 219 would allow pharmacists to order and administer immunizations and certain diagnostic tests for their patients without physician supervision. Under the current language, pharmacists wishing to provide these services must also complete some additional training courses as part of their licensure process. The MHA is supportive of SB 219, which now heads to the House Floor for further consideration.
Legislation to create a licensure process for Michigan dieticians also saw action in House Health Policy. HB 4608, introduced by Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), would create a new license for individuals seeking to provide medical nutrition therapy in Michigan. Establishing the new license will help ensure access for Michigan patients by increasing opportunities for dieticians to be reimbursed for the services they provide. The MHA is supportive of the bill, which was reported to the House Floor with recommendation that it pass.
In the House Committee on Insurance and Financial Services, a vote was held to report legislation intended to increase insurance coverage for mental health and substance abuse disorder services. HB 4707, introduced by Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township), would require coverage of medically necessary behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment, with the intent to encourage expanded access to much needed services. More specifically, the bill would require coverage for out-of-network and emergency services and set limitations to prior authorization and utilization review requirements. The MHA has been closely monitoring HB 4707, working with proponents and stakeholders alike. The bill now awaits a full House Floor vote.
In the Senate Healthy Policy Committee, a vote was taken in support of legislation to improve the Healthy Michigan Plan. HBs 4495 and 4496, introduced by Reps. Graham Filler (R-St. Johns) and Will Snyder (D-Muskegon), would eliminate unnecessary provisions in the Healthy Michigan Plan and make changes to help ensure its long-term success. The package would remove requirements that certain beneficiaries maintain Health Savings Accounts and pay co-pays or deductibles. Additionally, the bill removes the provision that a future administration could repeal the program if state savings are reduced. The MHA is supportive of both bills, which now await action on the Senate Floor.
Members with questions about state legislative action may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA for more information.
The new session for the 102nd Michigan Legislature kicked off during the week of Jan. 9 with swearing in ceremonies in both the House and Senate. Michigan Democrats in the majority started the session by introducing legislation to repeal right to work, reinstate prevailing wage requirements and several other bills intended to provide tax relief for working families. Committee assignments were also released, giving the MHA and its member hospitals an opportunity to begin conversations with key lawmakers about 2023 legislative priorities.
Much like previous legislative sessions, both the House and Senate will feature standing committees for health policy and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) budget. However, the House also created a new committee focused on behavioral health to provide a greater focus on the growing issue. Additionally, the MHA will be tracking new standing committees on labor issues created in both the House and Senate.
The Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference convened Jan. 13 to revise revenue projections for the current fiscal year. Comprised of the House Fiscal Agency, the Senate Fiscal Agency and the Department of Treasury, their forecast calls for a year-over-year decrease of 1.1% in revenues from the 2021-22 fiscal year to 2022-23. For 2022-23, the General Fund is projected to decrease by $427.7 million year-over-year, with a forecasted total of $14.8 billion.
Included below is a comprehensive list of committee assignments that are particularly relevant for MHA members. If you have any questions about the new lawmakers in your district, committee assignments or other state legislation, please contact Sean Sorenson-Abbott at the MHA.
Senate Appropriations
Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) (Chair).
Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) (Vice Chair).
Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo) (Minority Vice Chair).
Thomas Albert (R-Lowell).
Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield).
Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton).
Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township).
John Cherry (D-Flint).
John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs).
Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores).
Mark Huizenga (R-Walker).
Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor).
Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe).
Kristen McDonald-Rivet (D-Bay City).
Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak).
Rick Outman (R-Six Lakes).
Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit).
Sue Shink (D-Northfield).
Lana Theis (R-Brighton).
*Senate DHHS Appropriations Subcommittee will be chaired by Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit).
Senate Health Policy
Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores) (Chair).
Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) (Vice Chairs).
Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills) (Minority Vice Chair).
John Cherry (D-Flint).
Erika Geiss (D-Taylor).
Roger Hauck (R-Mount Pleasant).
Mark Huizenga (R-Walker).
Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe).
Jim Runestad (R-White Lake).
Paul Wojno (D-Warren).
House Appropriations
Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township) (Chair).
Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) (Vice Chair).
Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) (Minority Vice Chair).
Timothy Beson (R-Kawkawlin).
Ann Bollin (R-Brighton).
Ken Borton (R-Gaylord).
Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield).
Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township).
Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan).
Nancy DeBoer (R-Holland).
Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn).
Andrew Fink (R-Hillsdale).
Phil Green (R-Millington).
Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids).
Thomas Kuhn (R-Troy).
Donovan McKinney (D-Detroit).
Jasper Martus (D-Flushing).
Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens).
Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor).
Christine Morse (D-Texas Twp.).
Natalie Price (D-Berkeley).
Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton).
Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland).
Phil Skaggs (D-Grand Rapids).
Bradley Slagh (R-Zeeland).
Will Snyder (D-Muskegon).
Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills).
Donni Steele (R-Orion Township).
Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park).
Jimmie Wilson (D-Ypsilanti).
*House DHHS Subcommittee will be chaired by Rep. Christine Morse (D-Texas Twp.).
Health policy committees met during the week of June 6 to continue action on three bills that would impact hospitals.
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.
