How Harmful Nurse Staffing Legislation is Threatening Access to Patient Care

MiCare Champion Cast

On the final episode of season 1 of the MiCare Champion Cast, MHA CEO Brian Peters and Kim Meeker, RN, BSN, MBA, president of the Michigan Organization for Nursing Leadership (MONL), discuss a recent package of bills introduced in the Michigan Legislature that could severely harm hospitals and access to patient care, if passed. Senate Bills 334 – 336 and House Bills 4550 – 4552 propose a one-size-fits-all nurse ratio staffing mandate. In a recent joint statement, the MHA and MONL noted how this approach would limit the number of patients receiving hospital care at any one time and services hospitals can offer to their communities, prolong the time it takes for a patient to receive care and hinder many hospital’s ability to respond to a crisis in fear of violating Michigan law. Those interested in learning more or connecting with local lawmakers on this issue are encouraged to visit the MHA’s Legislative Action Center: https://www.mha.org/issues-advocacy/advocacy-resources/legislative-action-center/ Note: Each interview in this episode was recorded prior to the passing of the legislative fiscal year 2024 state budget. To see MHA CEO Brian Peters statement on new healthcare funding, visit the MHA Newsroom: https://www.mha.org/newsroom/legislative-fiscal-year-2024-state-budget-renews-commitment-to-healthcare/ Additional resources mentioned include the MHA Keystone Center and Duke Center for Healthcare Safety and Quality WellB program: https://mhha.informz.net/mhha/data/images/Keystone Center/Well-B Webinar_Series2_Keystone.pdf and the MI Hospital Careers webpage: https://mihospitalcareers.com/.