Tag: SB 759

Governor Signs Bill to Codify Licensure Exemptions

Member News
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On Dec. 27, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 759, which codifies a licensure exemption provision that has given hospitals regulatory flexibility to appropriately respond to the pandemic, specifically staffing challenges.

The new law took effect immediately and allows licensed, out-of-state providers who are in good standing the ability to render clinical care in Michigan without a Michigan license during an “epidemic-related staffing shortage” as currently identified by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

MHA CEO Brian Peters released a statement Dec. 14 applauding lawmakers for prioritizing the bill. The provision that was previously in place, activated by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, was originally set to expire Jan. 11. Members with questions may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

Bill to Codify Licensure Exemptions Awaits Governor’s Signature

Member News
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capitol buildingThe full House passed Senate Bill (SB) 759 Dec. 14 and it now awaits the governor’s signature. Introduced by Sen. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) and supported by the MHA, SB 759 would codify a provision that has given hospitals flexibility to appropriately respond to the pandemic; however, the provision is set to expire Jan. 11.

In March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs activated its statutory authority given in the Public Health Code that allows it to grant licensure exemptions “in a time of disaster” such as a pandemic. This permits licensed out-of-state providers who are in good standing and trained, educated and experienced to render medical care in Michigan without a Michigan license. The MHA greatly appreciates the collaborative work with the administration to codify this flexibility into law and expressed its gratitude in a letter submitted to the Executive Office of the Governor. The letter thanks Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her continued partnership in battling COVID-19 and urges her to quickly sign SB 759, which would allow hospitals and health systems to recruit out-of-state workers quickly and efficiently. Members with questions should contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.

MHA and Members Testify in Support of Licensure Exemption Bill

Member News
Sean Gehle (left) and Adam Carlson (right) testify in support of SB 759.

The House Health Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Bronna Kahle (R-Adrian), reported the MHA-supported Senate Bill (SB) 759 to the full House Dec. 9. Before the bill was reported, Adam Carlson, senior vice president of advocacy, MHA, and Sean Gehle, regional vice president, advocacy and government relations, Trinity Health, provided testimony urging support for SB 759 and discussing its importance in continuing care for patients during the pandemic.  

SB 759 codifies into law a flexibility granted by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Professional Licensing that has been imperative in fighting the workforce shortage. In March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LARA activated its statutory authority given in the Public Health Code that allows it to grant licensure exemptions “in a time of disaster” such as a pandemic. This permits out-of-state providers who are in good standing and trained, educated and experienced to render medical care in Michigan without a Michigan license.

The LARA provision is set to expire Jan. 11. The MHA has worked collaboratively with the administration to continue to allow hospitals and health systems the ability to quickly and efficiently recruit out-of-state workers during this public health emergency. SB 759 is now awaiting a vote in the full House. Members with questions should contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.