Legislation protecting good Samaritans who apply bleeding-control techniques passed the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, while a bill modifying timeline requirements for preadmission screening assessments of Medicaid patients was introduced during the week of Dec. 1.
House Bills (HB) 4108 and 4847 along with Senate Bills (SB) 590 and 591 were reported favorably to the full Senate chamber by the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee. The bills strengthen the state’s Good Samaritan Law for all individuals acting in good faith when applying bleeding control techniques in emergency situations. HBs 4108 and 4847, sponsored by Rep. Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River) and Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek), expand the Good Samaritan Law by providing civil immunity for who apply bleeding-control techniques before professional responders arrive. SB 590 and SB 591, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) and Sen. Rick Outman (R-Six Lakes), serve as the companion bills in the Senate. The MHA supports both sets of bills, which advanced out of committee and are now before the full Senate for consideration.
HB 5334, introduced by Rep. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) was referred to the House Health Policy Committee. The bill requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, or its community mental health program, to have a preadmission screening unit assess a patient covered through Medicaid within three hours after hospital notification. If the preadmission screening requirement is not completed within the 3-hour timeline, the hospital can proceed with screening the patient and supporting their continuity of care. This legislation seeks to address concerns surrounding timely access to care and the ability to transfer or refer patients to an appropriate care setting or provider. This bill was developed in response to feedback from the MHA Behavioral Health Integration Council, and the MHA collaborated with legislative partners to support its introduction, along with an accompanying infographic that illustrates the screening timeline and process. The MHA supports this legislation as introduced and looks forward to its advancement in the state legislature.
Members with questions may contact the MHA advocacy team.