Various healthcare bills, including increased 340B protections for healthcare providers, received attention by the Michigan Legislature during the week of Dec. 9.
Senate Bill (SB) 1179, sponsored by Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) and which protects the 340B program in Michigan, saw extensive action during the week. It began with two MHA members providing testimony to the Senate Oversight Committee in support: Ben Frederick, associate vice president of advocacy and government relations, Memorial Healthcare; and Deidra Wilson, senior vice president, government relations and public policy, McLaren Health Care. The bill is vital for hospitals that serve vulnerable populations, helping them stretch scarce resources to care for more patients. SB 1179 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.
During testimony, Frederick emphasized the impact the 340B program has in rural communities and shared a personal story of how 340B helped his father access palliative care following a terminal cancer diagnosis. Wilson highlighted how the 340B program supports cancer patients across the state by helping cover copays and providing access to essential transportation services. She also addressed how current restrictions hinder access to care for vulnerable populations, emphasizing that the program is centered on community, service and resource provision. She concluded her testimony by stating that the bill prioritizes the needs of Michigan patients and communities over the profits of pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Following successful reporting from committee, the full Senate took action on SB 1179. The MHA-supported legislation passed the full Senate 30-3 with overwhelming bipartisan support, reflecting the Senate’s commitment to protecting access to care and the 340B program. The Senate opted to pair this legislation with SB 952, sponsored by Sen. Jonathan Lindsey (R-Allen), which requires hospital compliance with federal cost transparency laws
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for approval before it can be sent to Gov. Whitmer’s desk. 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 use the MHA 340B Action Alert to contact their lawmakers in support of the bill.
In other action this week, MHA-supported HB 5964, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor), overwhelmingly passed the House. This bill ensures Michigan’s continued membership in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, supporting the recruitment and retention of physicians. This MHA supported bill now heads to the Senate for approval.
House Bills (HBs) 5371 and 5372, sponsored by Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township) and Rep. Phil Green (R-Watertown Township), also passed the House and now head to the Senate for approval. HBs 5371 and 5372 add Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics to the Social Welfare Act, enhancing access to behavioral health services in Michigan and aligning provider funding with federal payment policies.
The House also passed HB 4833, sponsored by Rep. Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton), which eliminates duplicative licensure requirements, reducing administrative burdens for hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and licensed substance use disorder treatment providers. The MHA-supported bill now awaits action in the Senate.
HB 5833, sponsored by Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Novi), passed the House as well. This bill adds Michigan to the numerous other states that allow family members to step in and make medical decisions in alignment with a loved one’s wishes, if they are incapable. The MHA supports this bill, which will allow patients to receive timely care in the most appropriate setting.
The Michigan House, following an organized walkout by members of the Republican caucus, passed HB 5999, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit). The legislation broadly prohibits the use of mandatory overtime for registered nurses in Michigan, with certain exceptions related to declarations of emergency, mass casualty events and ongoing patient procedures. The MHA, facing significant political headwinds, was able to secure several meaningful amendments related to staffing during unexpected and unpredicted staff absences and public health emergencies, and will continue to work with the Senate to ensure protection of both hospital team members and the patients they serve.
Lastly, SB 1158 (S-1) and HB 6085, which would reform Michigan’s medical liability laws, did not see any action by the full House or Senate. These bills would increase healthcare costs and hinder physician recruitment and retention in Michigan, worsening the critical shortages in primary care, obstetrics and gynecology, and behavioral and mental health providers. Creating a less supportive environment for physicians could further compromise patient care and access to essential healthcare services. The MHA strongly opposes these bills.
Members with questions should contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.
As we turn the page on 2024 (and celebrate our success in preventing harmful government-mandated nurse staffing ratio legislation, as well as harmful changes to our medical liability system, during the lame-duck session of the legislature), it is appropriate to reflect on the fact that Michigan hospitals and health systems are there for our communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in ways that reach far beyond their four walls. What they do adheres to this simple theme: Hospitals help.
