{up MICHIGAN CHAMBER of Commerce MEMORANDUM To: Members of the House Health Policy Committee From: Wendy Block, Michigan Chamber Subject: Michigan Chamber: Neutral on PBS 4629-31 Date: November 29, 2017 The purpose of this memo is to communicate the Michigan Chamber's neutrality on House Bills 4629-31, legislation to require certain nurse-to-patient staffing levels in hospitals and limit mandatory overtime for nurses. While the Chamber has opposed similar proposals in the past, we are neutral on HBs 4629-31 because health care purchasers are increasingly concerned about patient safety and health care quality in the hospital setting. An October report issued by the Leapfrog Group, a Washington D.C.-based organization aiming to improve health care quality for consumers, employers and purchasers, shows many Michigan hospitals need to focus more on patient safety and quality metrics. In fact, the Leapfrog study shows that only 19 out of 77 Michigan hospitals were awarded an grade for their dedication for safe care, down from 29 in 2016. Twenty-six percent of graded hosPitals scored a and 28 received a The remainder were graded While the language in 1-135 4629-31 may not be perfect, we urge you to give serious consideration to the impact nurse staffing plans and mandatory overtime has on patient safety and what else can be done to improve the quality and safety of health care. If you have any questions about our position, please feel free to contact me at 517-371- 2100.