Michigan Legislature Passes Bill Supporting Hospital Workforce

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4016, appropriating $75 million for the recruitment, retention, and training of hospital workers, on March 8. This funding will directly benefit hospital workers and help to support hospitals experiencing a generational workforce shortage.
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Hospital worker in foreground smiling and doctor and nurse in background talking.
Legislation signed March 8 will support the state’s hospital workers. // Stock photo

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill 4016, appropriating $75 million for the recruitment, retention, and training of hospital workers, on March 8. This funding will directly benefit hospital workers and help to support hospitals experiencing a generational workforce shortage.

“Maintaining the sustainability of our health care workforce is a universal priority for all Michigan hospitals and health systems,” says Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA) in greater Lansing, which advocates in Michigan and Washington, D.C., on behalf of health care providers and the communities and patients they serve. The organization supports initiatives to protect and promote quality, cost-effective, and accessible health care.

“We appreciate the work from the Michigan Legislature and Gov. Whitmer in passing this funding that will support hospital workers and help solve staffing shortages that persist throughout health care.”

According to a recent survey of hospitals conducted by the MHA, there are more than 27,000 job openings in hospitals throughout Michigan, including nearly 8,500 nursing job opportunities. A high need also exists for technicians, with more than 4,500 job openings; clinical assistants, with 3,000 openings; and operational support in areas such as environmental services and food service, with 1,700 openings.

Hospital staffing levels determine patient capacity within facilities. Michigan has lost a high of about 1,700 staffed hospital beds since 2020 because of workforce shortages. Filling these job openings would increase statewide inpatient hospital capacity, expand service availability, and assist in the transition of care outside of a hospital.

House Bill 4016 was introduced by state Rep. Angela Witwer, D-Delta Township, and passed the Michigan Senate Feb. 28 and the Michigan House of Representatives March 1 with bipartisan support.