News & Media
House Health Policy Committee Advances Key Legislation
The Michigan House Health Policy Committee recently considered several bills impacting health care regulation, workforce policy, and emergency medical services.
Among the most closely watched measures of the session, HB 4878 was approved by the committee. The bill—one of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association’s top policy priorities—has been the subject of significant debate between hospitals and pharmaceutical companies. It would establish new reporting and conduct requirements related to the federal 340B drug pricing program.
The Committee also took testimony on several workforce and licensure-related proposals. These included changes to the evaluation process for foreign-trained registered nurses (HB 4899), updates to continuing education requirements for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians (HB 4932), and a proposal allowing relicensure to satisfy renewal requirements for psychologists returning to practice (HB 4934). Committee members additionally considered creating an “adaptive care” license for ambulance operations to recognize higher levels of prehospital care (HB 5249).
Another notable development was the introduction of HB 5478, which would limit when a health plan can recoup payments already made to physicians or other providers. Under the bill, such “clawbacks” would be prohibited after 90 days—a change for which Michigan physicians have long advocated. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Insurance, where it awaits further action. MSMS supports this common-sense measure and looks forward to working with the Legislature to advance it.
Looking to Get Involved?
Physician advocacy is critical to shaping policies that affect patient care. Two key opportunities to get involved include MSMS’ Advocacy Day on March 11 and participating in local legislative events. Upcoming opportunities:
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30
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Senator Stephanie Chang (D) Coffee Hour 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Awafi Cafe: 9000 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck, MI 48212
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9
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Representative Betsy Coffia (D) Office Hours 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m., Leelanau County Governmental Center: 8527 E Government Center Dr. Suttons Bay, MI 49653
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Senator John Cherry (D) Coffee Hours 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Flushing Senior Center: 106 Elm St. Flushing, MI 48433
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16
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Representative Ann Bollin (R) Local Office Hour 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., Walled Lake City Hall, 1499 E. West Maple Road in Walled Lake
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Representative Ann Bollin (R) Local Office Hour 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Coffee Beanery, 4433 Old U.S. 23 in Brighton