The House Health Policy Committee this week voted out House Bills 4077 and 4078, which would mandate the use of the Electronic Death Registry System. MSMS supported these bills.

The Committee also took testimony on House Bills 4037 and 4038, which would create a health data utility in the state of Michigan, enhancing the sharing of critical health information across the state’s healthcare system. Kevin Bohnsack, M.D.  testified on behalf of the Michigan State Medical Society in strong support of the bills. During the hearing, committee members raised several questions concerning patient data privacy and security. Lawmakers sought clarification on how the proposed HDU would protect sensitive medical information while expanding access to data. Doctor Bohnsack reassured the committee that the HDU model would maintain strict privacy safeguards and align with national efforts to improve healthcare interoperability.

Additionally, meetings with new members of the House Health Policy Committee continue. This week MSMS spoke with Representative Steve Frisbie (R, Pennfield Township) and Representative Matthew Bierlein (R, Vassar).

If you’ve been wanting to get involved but aren’t sure where to start, it’s not too late to register for Advocacy Day, Wednesday, March 19. Join fellow physicians and meet with key members of your state government to talk about the issues that impact you every day!