Michigan Legislators Act on Healthcare Bills

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capitol buildingSeveral bills impacting hospitals were acted upon during the week of May 9. Bills to plan for new funding from the national opioid settlement and to allow for certain out-of-state prescriptions were sent to the governor. In the Senate, testimony was taken on a bill to create a new license for dieticians and nutritionists and a bill to register certain medical labs in Michigan, and legislation to allow for certain visitors in healthcare facilities was reported to the House for further consideration.

On the House floor, the final votes were held on legislation to help guide Michigan’s use of new funding from the $26 billion national opioid settlement. Senate Bills (SBs) 993, 994 and 995 would create a new restricted fund for the state to house the settlement dollars, establish a new advisory commission appointed by the Legislature and governor to oversee spending, and prohibit future civil lawsuits related to claims covered by this fund. The bills now head to the governor’s desk for signature into law.

The Senate passed an MHA-supported bill related to out-of-state prescriptions. SB 166, introduced by Sen. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington), would allow pharmacies to fill noncontrolled substance prescriptions written by licensed, out-of-state physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses. SB 166 was also sent to the governor for signature.

The full Senate approved and reported to the House SB 450, which would ensure that visitors of cognitively impaired patients are permitted in healthcare facilities. Introduced by Sen. Jim Stamas (R-Midland), the bill would prohibit the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) or a local health officer from issuing an order that prohibits a patient representative from visiting a cognitively impaired individual in a healthcare facility. As written, the legislation does not prevent a healthcare facility from implementing reasonable safety measures for visitors and will still allow for facilities to limit the number of representatives per patient. The MHA is neutral on the bill and will continue to monitor any action taken in the House.

Further testimony was held in the Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee on SB 614, which would create a new license for both dieticians and nutritionists in Michigan. Under the current language, a single license would be used for both professions. There was no vote held on SB 614, as the bill sponsor Sen. Michael MacDonald (R-Macomb Township) is working to address concerns from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on the implementation of the dual licensure. The MHA supports SB 614 and looks forward to working with the stakeholders on potential improvements.

Questions on these issues or other state legislation related to healthcare can be directed to Adam Carlson at the MHA.

State Legislature Discusses Multiple Bills Affecting Healthcare

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capitol buildingThe Michigan Legislature returned from its spring recess during the week of April 11, taking up several bills impacting hospitals. In the House, the state’s higher education budget was advanced to the appropriations committee and testimony was held on legislation to regulate the sale of the opiate-like substance kratom. In the Senate, legislation was introduced to provide for new tax credits for medical school and advanced practice nursing program preceptors. Additionally, both the House and Senate held hearings on identical bills intended to help prepare the state for incoming funding from the recently finalized national opioid settlement.

The MHA successfully advocated for the inclusion of $4.7 million dollars in House Bill (HB) 5785, the state’s Higher Education budget, which is now before the House appropriations committee. Introduced by Rep. Ben Frederick (R-Owosso), this funding will allow for the creation of a healthcare workforce collaborative between the MHA and the state’s public and private post-secondary educational intuitions. HB 5785 will support a better understanding of statewide graduates in health professions as well as current employment opportunities in healthcare throughout the state. Funding and creating a searchable, accessible repository allows healthcare employers to understand current educational trends in the state and provides prospective employees easy access to healthcare positions throughout the state.

The House Rules and Competitiveness Committee took testimony on HB 5477, which would regulate the sale of kratom in Michigan. Kratom is a substance of concern with opiate-like effects that has no approved medical use in the United States. The MHA’s Legislative Policy Panel has previously taken a position supporting the identification of kratom as a Schedule I narcotic. HB 5477 would create a license for kratom sales and manufacturing, require testing of products and require new safety warnings on kratom substances sold in Michigan. The MHA has not yet taken a position on the bill.

In the Senate, legislation was introduced to provide new tax credits for medical school and advanced practice nursing program preceptors. Senate Bills (SBs) 998 and 999 were introduced by Sens. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) and Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) and would create a new tax credit for individuals who agree to work as a preceptor for required clinical rotations. A $1,000 tax credit would be provided for every 250 hours they serve in that capacity through December 2026, capped at $5,000 per year. The MHA supports the bills, which could help increase the capacity for clinical rotations at hospitals across the state.

In both the House and Senate, work began on identical packages of bills to help guide Michigan’s use of new funding from the $26 billion national opioid settlement. The legislation was introduced as HBs 5968, 5969 and 5970 in the House and SBs 993, 994 and 995 in the Senate. Michigan is estimated to receive $776 million from the settlement, and these legislative packages are intended to plan and prepare for the state to spend those funds wisely. The packages would create a new restricted fund for the state to house the settlement dollars, establish a new advisory commission appointed by the Legislature and governor to oversee spending, and prohibit future civil lawsuits related to claims covered by this fund. The MHA is currently working to identify treatment and prevention priorities for feedback on the legislation and will continue to monitor the legislation as it progresses.

Questions on these issues or other state legislation related to healthcare can be directed to Adam Carlson at the MHA.

Prior Authorization Bill Signed into Law

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capitol buildingLegislation to decrease wait times for commercial insurance prior authorization requests was signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer April 7. Senate Bill (SB) 247, introduced by Sen. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington), will shorten the timeline for approval to seven calendar days or 72 hours for urgent requests, as well as ensure that emergency care can be provided without prior approval.

Shortening wait times for prior authorization requests has been an MHA priority for several legislative sessions. The MHA provided testimony in support of SB 247 in both chambers and shared a letter with the governor encouraging her to sign the bill. The legislation will take effect June 1, 2023.

Members with questions about SB 247 or other state legislation regarding healthcare should contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.