Legislation on the Nurse Licensure Compact and next of kin designations advanced in the Michigan House during the week of June 9.
House Bill (HB) 4246, sponsored by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington), passed the full House by a vote of 57-52 June 11. The bill would add Michigan to the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses to practice across state lines without the burden of obtaining additional licenses. For Michigan, joining the compact will help increase access to care, especially through telehealth services and support nurse recruitment and retention efforts. The MHA supports the legislation, which now heads to the Michigan Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee for consideration.
The House Judiciary Committee also approved HBs 4418 – 4419 June 11. The legislation, introduced by Reps. Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown Township) and Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township), aims to reduce barriers in the process of designating a next of kin for patients who are unable to make their own medical decisions.
Lastly, Senate Bill (SB) 371, sponsored by Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), was introduced during the week of June 9. SB 371 prohibits commercial insurers from placing a cap on coverage provided for inpatient psychiatric stays for those experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The MHA is supportive of this legislation.
Members with additional questions should contact Elizabeth Kutter at the MHA.