LANSING, Mich. — A resolution sponsored by Sen. Lana Theis was adopted by the state Senate on Tuesday, urging Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to revise Executive Order 2020-17 to allow hospitals and health care facilities to resume elective procedures.
“Throughout our state, health care providers have been forced to close their doors and lay off their staff and are no longer able to take care of their patients due to the state’s response to COVID-19,” said Theis, R-Brighton. “Despite government orders, life is still happening, and people still need help. What may seem elective to some could be essential to another.
“Think of all the people who have gone without needed procedures and are confused about whether they can receive crucial chemo treatments, or when they can have knee or hip replacements — and for the doctors who are confused about whether they can provide them care. They are why we are calling on the governor to allow them to get back to work if it is safe for them and if they have the ability and capacity to do so.”
The executive order, which took effect March 21, required hospitals, freestanding surgical outpatient facilities, dental facilities, and all state-operated outpatient facilities to postpone all nonessential procedures.
More than 12 states with similar executive restrictions have reversed course, deeming it now safe and appropriate for health care providers to resume elective procedures.
“Michiganders can and should be trusted to return to work safely, especially in our hospitals and health care facilities, which is their area of expertise,” Theis said. “Getting them back to work, and their patients the care they need, is an important step to reopening Michigan’s economy and to rejuvenating people’s lives. I am hopeful the governor will rethink this order, for their sake.”
Senate Resolution 111 may be read in full at http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2020-SR-0111.
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