First Legislative Policy Panel Meeting of New Program Year

The MHA Legislative Policy Panel held its first meeting of the 2025-26 MHA program year at the MHA Capital Advocacy Center on Oct. 29 to develop recommendations on legislative issues impacting Michigan hospitals.

The meeting featured presentations from Tom George, MD and Pam Coffeey, MD, with the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS), followed by Naila Russell, Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners, and Bel Martin, American Association of Nurse Practitioners. The presenters discussed House Bill (HB) 4399 and Senate Bill 268, introduced by Rep. Dave Prestin and Sen. Jeff Irwin, respectively. The bills aim to update nurse practitioners’ scope of practice in the state.

Taylor Alpert, manager, government relations, MHA, led a discussion around HB 4920, which aims to reduce continuing education (CE) requirements for physicians licensed in Michigan.

The panel chose to act on two issues, making recommendations related to scope of practice and CE requirements. The first recommendation directs the MHA to remain an engaged participant and resource in ongoing scope of practice discussions, with a focus on ensuring access and quality of care for patients remains the highest priority. The second recommendation supports legislation that would reduce CE requirements in Michigan.

The panel also received updates on the federal government shutdown, state budget and the Rural Health Transformation Program.

For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

Michigan Advance Column Highlights Healthcare As Economic Driver

Michigan Advance “Micheconomy” columnist Rick Haglund published a column April 7 that focuses on the large role education and healthcare have in Michigan’s economy. It specifically references the Michigan Health & Hospital Association’s annual Economic Impact of Healthcare Report, which is published in conjunction with the Michigan State Medical Society and Michigan Osteopathic Association.

“A study last year by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association claimed that nearly 20% of all payroll jobs in the state in 2021 were in health care and health care-related positions. Health care employers paid out $46 billion in wages and benefits to 567,957 workers in 2021, or an average $80,992 per employee, according to the study.”

The column also references multiple community investment projects being driven by hospitals and health systems throughout Michigan.

Members with any questions regarding media requests should contact John Karasinski at the MHA.