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LEGISLATIVE Update
The voice of our physician members is heard and represented in the development of policy and regulations that impact Michigan’s medical community and the patients served. Here is an update on some of the legislative issues being addressed.
Scope of Practice
To proactively address Scope of Practice, Michigan for Advancing Collaborative Care Teams (MiACCT) was created. This coalition of partner organizations focuses on the value of physician-led health care teams and the importance of medical school educa- tion in delivering quality, cost-effective care.
Current Status
New scope-related legislation is expected to be introduced this fall, which would allow for full inde- pendent practice for nurse practitioners. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available when the bill is introduced.
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REFORM – SENATE BILL 247
The prior authorization process diverts valuable resources away from direct patient care, delays the start or continuation of necessary treatment, and negatively impacts patient health outcomes. Over the course of the last two years, we have worked closely with the legislature, regulators, and stakeholders to streamline, standardize, and make the prior authoriza- tion process more transparent, clinically appropriate, and evidence based. To support this effort, the coalition Health Can’t Wait was created. This coalition of over fifty patient advocacy and health care organi- zations is dedicated to reforming the prior authoriza- tion process.
Current Status
Senate Bill 247 unanimously passed the Senate in
late April and is now under consideration by the House Health Policy Committee. A Health Can’t Wait Lobby Day is tentatively planned for Thursday,
October 14.
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BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTEGRATION (HBS 4925-4929/SB 597 AND 598)
Both the House and Senate recently introduced proposals that would overhaul Michigan’s mental health system. While both proposals essentially eliminate pre-paid inpatient health plans (PIHPs), the Senate plan relies more on shifting that layer of managed care to private insurers, while the House plan is structured like a “fee-for-service” model that attempts to allow individuals to choose the care they want with the state more directly covering the cost.
Current Status
Senate Bill 597-598 is expected to receive a hearing in the Senate Government Operations Committee in the beginning of September and hearings are expected to continue throughout the month. A hearing has not been scheduled at this time for House Bills 4925-4929.
FILTER FIRST – SENATE BILL 184 AND 185
Testing drinking water sources in schools is slow and costly. Students are more effectively protected by proactively installing filtered drinking water stations that reduce lead and other identified impurities. Senate Bills 184 and 185 provide for clean drinking water in schools and childcare centers and create requirements for installations of filtration systems. A proposed supplemental budget allocation of $55 million would provide for the installation of filtered drinking water stations in all Michigan public schools.
Current Status
The bipartisan bill package has been referred to the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and is currently awaiting a hearing.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 | WWW.OCMS-MI.ORG