Multiple bills monitored by the MHA moved in the Michigan Legislature during the week of Oct. 16.
Legislation increasing penalties for violence committed against healthcare workers was unanimously voted out of the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committee. 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. House Bills (HBs) 4520 and 4521 were introduced by Reps. Kelly Breen (D-Novi) and Mike Mueller (R-Linden). A substitute adopted in committee expanded the care locations covered by the increased fines to include behavioral health facilities. Addressing violence against healthcare workers and deterring potential attacks continues to be an MHA priority. HBs 4520 and 4521 now move to the Senate Floor for a full chamber vote.
MHA supported bills to improve Michigan’s Amended Auto no-fault laws were passed by the full Michigan Senate in a bipartisan vote. Senate Bills (SBs) 530 and 531, introduced by Sens. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township) and Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), would simplify and increase Medicare hospital reimbursements, clarify the definition of Medicare and create a new post-acute care provider fee schedule. The MHA’s executive vice president of government relations and public policy, Laura Appel, testified in committee last week. Appel stressed the importance of a strong healthcare system to care for auto accident patients. The bills now move to the House for their consideration.
Senate Health Policy took testimony on SB 482, sponsored by Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-Bay City), which lifts the state’s 90 day disposal requirement on sharps containers. The MHA membership voiced concerns about the 90-day disposal requirement, sharing that it would lead to sealing and disposing of containers before they reached their ¾ fill mark. The FDA regulated containers can be costly and difficult to obtain, as hospitals experienced following a manufacturing facility fire, and further disposal of an underutilized container contributes to unnecessary and preventable medical waste. The MHA worked directly with Sen. McDonald Rivet on this legislation, based on the feedback of hospitals who shared concerns about cost, access and environmental impact. The MHA is supportive of this important policy change that will directly benefit the membership.
The governor also signed into law several bills intended to codify Affordable Care Act protections at the state level. House Bills 4619 – 4623 and Senate Bills 356 – 358 were signed by Gov. Whitmer on Oct. 19. The MHA is supportive of the package, which has been passed in at least 15 other states and would protect Michigan consumers in the event there were future amendments or judicial changes to the current federal law.
Members with any questions may contact Elizabeth Kutter.