The MHA Legislative Policy Panel held their first meeting of the MHA program year at the MHA Capital Advocacy Center Oct. 30 to develop recommendations on legislative issues impacting Michigan hospitals.
Chad Tuttle, SVP, clinical shared services, Corewell Health, chairs the panel this year with Amanda Shelast, president, Marshfield Medical Center – Dickinson, serving as vice chair. Carlos Jackson with Washington D.C.-based Cornerstone Government Affairs provided a federal update, covering what is at stake in the 2024 election and post-election lame-duck healthcare priorities. MHA CEO Brian Peters also reviewed the MHA 2024-25 strategic action plan.
The Panel took two action items on cybersecurity and pediatric long-term care.
The Panel adopted a position of neutrality on Senate Bills (SB) 888 – 892. The Panel directed the MHA to continue conversations with legislators regarding new requirements related to cybersecurity to recognize and support hospitals as victims of these attacks. SBs 888 – 892 require entities that have access to Michigan resident’s personal information to maintain security procedures for the protection of that information. It also establishes processes for notifying the state and impacted residents of data breaches.
The Panel also heard an update on House Bill (HB) 5974 related to the creation of prescribed pediatric extended care facilities. The Panel asked several questions about the purpose and effectiveness of the legislation. Reintroduction of HB 5974 is likely in the 2025-26 legislative session, giving the Panel another opportunity to consider the concept as introduced, as well as alternatives.
For more information on the MHA Legislative Policy Panel, members may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.
