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.