The MHA Legislative Policy Panel met virtually March 13 to develop recommendations for the MHA Board of Trustees on legislative initiatives impacting Michigan hospitals.
The meeting began with an update from MHA CEO Brian Peters on the MHA strategic action plan. Peters reviewed progress the association has made on key priorities, paying particular attention to those items related to advocacy and policy. Carlos Jackson with Cornerstone Government Affairs followed Peters to provide a federal update, covering the Change Healthcare cyberattack response and government funding.
Regarding action items, the panel made two recommendations. The first is for the MHA to support House Bills (HBs) 5184 and 5185, which would remove the examination requirement for social work licensure, remove post-degree experience for bachelor’s-level and master’s-level social workers and streamline social worker provider types. The panel also recommends the MHA support HB 4361, which would allow a living organ donor to claim a one-time, non-refundable tax credit to recognize costs associated with organ donation.
The panel received additional updates on state legislative activities regarding Medicaid funding, end-of-life care and the healthcare workforce.
For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.