Livingston Today

State Sen. Lana Theis (R-Brighton) is urging Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to revise Executive Order 2020-17 and allow elective medical procedures to begin again, according to a press release on MiSenateGOP.

“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,” Theis said in the press release. “Despite government orders, life is still happening, and people still need help. What may seem elective to some could be essential to another."

Theis urged people to think about those who were currently going without needed treatments, like knee and hip replacements, or those who aren't sure if they can receive their chemo treatments.

"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," Theis said, according to MiSenateGOP.

Whitmer's executive order went into effect on March 21, requiring that hospitals, dental facilities, freestanding surgical outpatient facilities and state-operated outpatient facilities to postpone elective procedures for the time being.

“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 in her statement. “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.”

Theis noted in the press release that 12 states with similar executive restrictions have already reversed their executive orders and deemed it's safe to resume doing elective procedures, and she wants Michigan to do the same.

Senate Resolution 111 urges for Whitmer to allow elective procedures to return to the state.