Legislature Returns with a Full Calendar of Activity

Legislative activity is in full swing as committees, the House, and Senate return from summer recess. The House passed legislation that would require all children in Michigan to undergo lead testing and provide the testing information on immunization documents. Currently, only children enrolled in Medicaid are required to receive testing. MAFP worked in the Senate to change the legislation to align testing and reporting requirements with the current Medicaid requirements. The original drafting would have set different standards between patient populations. MAFP was supportive of this change to remove any unnecessary additional administrative burdens.

The House also heard testimony on House Bills 4511 and 4512, which would update child safety seat standards to focus on a child’s height and weight rather than age. This aligns closer to the federal requirements as well as industry standards. MAFP was joined by most other physician associations in support of the bills.

A 12-bill package known as the Reproductive Health Act was introduced in the House last week, with testimony before the house panel this week. The set of bills has been a priority for democrats to bring forward additional reforms after the support of proposal 3 last year. The bills would eliminate the 24-hour waiting period and eliminate other barriers for individuals seeking an abortion, among other things.

On the federal side of things, lawmakers in 2021 delayed CMS’ implementation of G2211, an add-on code designed to account for primary care services that build relationships with patients and address the majority of their long-term health care needs. As CMS proposes to fully implement G2211 in the 2024 Medicare physician fee schedule, we need you. Call to Action: Contact your member of Congress here https://fammedpac.aafp.org/take-action/alertid/283/ and urge them to support this vital policy.