Legislative Update: Week of May 21st

This week has been a busy one for MSMS as the tort reform package supported by MSMS has seen some activity in the Senate with activity upcoming in the House. Budgets were the story of the week as the Governor, Speaker, and Majority Leader came to an agreement on the target numbers for the different budgets. Let's review this week's activity:

Senate:

(From midweek)


Michael Chafty, MD, JD

The Senate Insurance committee took testimony on Senate Bill 1115, 1116, 1117, 1118, affectionately known as the "The Patients First Reform" package. This effort, spearheaded by MSMS and the physician community, is the first significant tort reform package since the early 1990's.

Elmassian and Chafty testify for
the Senate Insurance Committee

MSMS offered testimony from two different avenues during the hearing, first coming from MSMS Preident-Elect Kenneth Elmassian, DO and Michael Chafty, MD, JD, who chairs the MSMS Board Legislative Policy Committee. Both of the physicians commented on how the having these reforms for Michigan's physicians puts Michigan in a category that it has never been accustomed to: a destination for physicians to practice. "Like many other states, prior to the adoption of meaningful tort reform in 1993 Michigan was a state in crisis," said Dr. Elmassian. Elmassian went on to say, "Those of us who live through this crisis are obligated to be vigilant to maintain the intent of the reforms passed in 1993. Senate Bills 1115-1118 seek to do just that."


Kenneth Elmassian, DO

Opponents against the legislation said that it would hinder the patent's or the patent's family's ability to gain recourse for a mistake of a physician. They also say it would take away the ability to provide for the services that a person needs to counter the pain and suffering sustained by the injury. Another argument against the bills was that the tort reforms would not help an impending physician shortage in Michigan because we simply don't have one. Referring to a study from the AMA from 1995, as was pointed out by Dr. Chafty in his testimony, the amount of physicians Michigan has is the right number to serve the population that needs health care. Dr. Chafty noted that with the increasing amount of physicians getting closer to retirement and the growth in the amount of people that are going to need care, the need for physicians will grow to an amount of 4,500 by 2020.

The committee continued taking testimony until 4:30pm that day. It will reconvene again in a week to continue taking the testimony from all of those wishing to testify. MSMS will continue to offer coverage of the proceedings.

The Senate Health Policy committee did not meet this week but there are rumblings that the committee will be posting for the coming week taking up expanding scope of practice for nurses.

House:

The House Health Policy committee did meet this week and had a presentation on drug adherence from CVS pharmacies. MSMS was not able to attend the meeting but understands it was very informative.

The House Insurance committee met this week working on their continued effort to reform Michigan's auto no fault insurance system. This week they considered a series of bills that would exempt certain persons from being protected by the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) sections of the policy. MSMS was concerned with three bills in the package House Bill 5587, 5588, and 5589. These bills would exempt those committing a crime or in the process of committing a crime and their accomplice from PIP coverage and also those who are operating under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance to be covered under PIP as well. The MSMS Legislation and Regulations committee will be considering these bills at their next meeting. We will continue to monitor their progress.

The House Judiciary committee will be scheduling a hearing for the House versions of the MSMS supported tort reform package this coming Thursday, May 31st at 10:30 am in the Anderson House Office Building. The House versions of the bills are 5669, 5670, 5671, and 5672. Once the committee meets, MSMS will have coverage of the events as they unfold on Twitter, Facebook and our blog.

Budget:

The House, Senate, and Governor have come to an agreement on the target numbers for the coming year's budget. This is positive news for the Department of Community Health budget where more money was allotted for the department which leave the possibility that GME could receive even more funding. MSMS is working with the legislative leaders to ensure just that. The House Republicans are looking to build into their budget an income tax relief package for Michigan that would reduce the income tax rate. Its uncertain the amount of savings that tax payers would see. MSMS will continue to stay with the budget until its signed into law.

For more information on Michigan politics and legislative activities stay connected with MSMS at http://www.msms.org/advocacy. With the upcoming elections, you need to know who support you and your profession, go to http://www.mdpac.org to find out that information and more!