Healthcare Workforce Supplemental Passed by Michigan Legislature

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capitol buildingThe Michigan Legislature passed a supplemental appropriation bill the week of Feb. 27 that included $75 million to help address the ongoing staffing crisis in hospitals. The appropriation was part of House Bill 4016. Hospitals were allocated the funds for recruitment, retention and training of healthcare workers.

After Gov. Whitmer signs HB 4016, the MHA will work closely with the administration to allocate the funds once they are made available by the state.

The MHA also published a media statement March 1 on the behalf of MHA CEO Brian Peters to thank the legislature for acting. β€œOn behalf of our member hospitals and health systems, we are very thankful our partners in the Michigan Legislature recognized this need and continue to be involved in developing solutions to retain and expand healthcare talent in Michigan.” The statement was published in a Crain’s Detroit Business article.

Members with questions about workforce funding may contact Adam Carlson.

MHA Monday Report Aug. 2, 2021

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Governor Signs Supplemental Hospital Funding into Law

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a supplemental budget bill July 26, appropriating $160 million in funding for Michigan hospitals that is intended to account for the cost of treating COVID-19 patients throughout …


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LGBTQ+ Informed Care Webinar Offered Aug. 19

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Medicare Advantage Enrollment Continues to Rise

Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment in Michigan totaled approximately 1,107,000 in July, an increase of 12,000 beneficiaries since April.Β The July MA enrollment is spread across 45 MA plans that are currently operating in the state, with approximately 48% of Michigan’s 2.3 …


MHA Mourns Passing of Sen. Carl Levin

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The Keckley Report

Implications: AHA Opines on Vaccines

β€œThe American Hospital Association Board approved this Policy Statement on Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination of Health Care Personnel:

β€˜To protect all patients, communities and personnel from the known and substantial risks of COVID-19, the American Hospital Association (AHA) strongly urges the vaccination of all health care personnel …’

β€œFor hospitals, the threat posed by the Delta variant and employee vaccine hesitancy adds to the storm clouds gathering.”

Paul Keckley, July 26, 2021

Hospital Funding Approved, CRNA Legislation Signed into Law

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Michigan Capitol BuildingSenate Bill (SB) 27, a supplemental budget bill containing funding for $160 million of COVID-19 relief for Michigan hospitals which accounts for the cost of treating COVID-19 patients,Β was passed in the Senate and is being sent to the governor for signature. The MHA will work with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on the distribution of the funding. The association will keep members apprised of further action on this bill or other supplemental appropriations that impact hospitals.

In addition, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law July 13 MHA-supported legislation modernizing the scope of practice for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) as Public Act 53 of 2021. Introduced as House Bill 4359 by Rep. Mary Whiteford (R-Casco Township), the new law will allow flexibility for each hospital to choose the anesthesia care model that best fits its location, staffing and resources to offer safe and effective patient care by eliminating the state requirement that a CRNA must work under direct physician supervision.

This change has long been an MHA priority and will eliminate a costly regulation for hospitals while maintaining patient safety. The MHA worked diligently with other stakeholders representing provider groups as the bill was negotiated. The Michigan State Medical Society was neutral on the final version of the legislation signed by the governor, which includes a provision maintaining physician input on patient care and patient-centered care teams.

The MHA testified in support of the legislation in both the House and Senate and applauds the work of both chambers and the governor in passing the law.

The new law, which is set to take effect Oct. 11, brings Michigan in line with 42 other states and the U.S. military. To fully implement the law, the governor must submit a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to formally exercise the exemption from the federal supervision requirement for CRNAs once the federal declaration of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic ends. The MHA will urge the governor to perform this final action when appropriate.

Questions on the budget or the new rules for CRNAs in Michigan can be directed to Adam Carlson at the MHA.