Legislation on Medical Certification of Death Records:
The Michigan House passed House Bills 4077 and 4078 with overwhelming support to streamline the medical certification process for death records. Bill sponsor, Representative Julie Rogers(D-Kalamazoo), emphasized the bills aim to reduce delays in issuing death certificates, which are crucial for funerals, insurance claims, and estate matters. The legislation seeks to alleviate significant burdens on grieving families caused by bureaucratic holdups. Identical legislation was passed by the House last legislative session but never moved in the Senate. MSMS supports the bills.
House Health Policy Votes to Approve PA Licensure Compact
After taking testimony last week, the House Health Policy committee voted Wednesday to approve House Bill 4309. HB 4309 would allow Michigan to join the PA Licensure Compact, enabling physician assistants (PAs) to practice across member states with a single unencumbered license. The compact is intended to address workforce shortages, especially in underserved and rural areas, by streamlining the licensure process and improving access to care both in-person and via telehealth. Representative David Prestin (R-Cedar River) and healthcare professionals emphasized how the compact would help border communities and reduce delays in care. The bill also supports military families by simplifying license transfers for spouses who move frequently.
Importantly, the Michigan State Medical Society confirmed that PAs practicing in Michigan under the compact must still follow Michigan’s collaborative agreement laws and use the “physician assistant” title, regardless of differing rules in their home states. MSMS will continue to closely monitor this legislation.
The Committee also took testimony on House Bill 4246, which would make Michigan a part of the Interstate Nurse Licensure Compact. The bill drew mixed testimony. The Michigan Health and Hospital Association testified in support, pointing to the possibility for improved access in rural hospitals. However, the Michigan Nurses Association opposed the bill, claiming it drives wages down and encourages nurses to practice elsewhere, while doing nothing to improve working conditions or bolster the workforce. The Chair, Representative Curtis VanderWall (R-Ludington), indicates he will take further testimony next week and took no further action. MSMS will continue to monitor the bill.
Senate Committee Moves PDAB Legislation
After previously introduced bills died in the House at the end of the 2023-24 legislative cycle, the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection took testimony on and voted to approve recently introduced Senate Bills 3, 4, and 5, which would establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) in Michigan. The PDAB would, in certain circumstances, be able to review the cost of prescription drugs and, if deemed necessary, establish an upper payment limit for the drug in Michigan. Jayne Courts, MD, secretary of the Michigan State Medical Society Board of Directors, testified in favor of legislation establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.
Doctor Courts highlighted that the cost of medications has become a major barrier for patients, often preventing them from filling prescriptions or leading them to reduce doses, which can result in serious health consequences. She shared personal stories of patients facing medical crises due to unaffordable medications, including instances involving asthma and opioid use disorder treatments. Doctor Courts also emphasized that nearly one-third of Michiganders have skipped medications due to cost, and 60% of older adults express concerns over affordability. While acknowledging the value of pharmaceutical innovation, she pointed out the industry's substantial profits and urged for a more balanced system that protects patients. The proposed PDAB would aim to lower drug costs by targeting pricing issues early in the supply chain, following models already enacted in states like Colorado and Minnesota.
The bills have been sent to the Senate floor where they await further action.
Support MSMS Through MDPAC
If you support and appreciate all the work MSMS is doing to elevate physicians’ voices in the legislature—from advocating for more accessible death records, to ensuring sensible licensing reform, to pushing for prescription affordability—the best way to bring that support to life is by donating to MDPAC. MDPAC empowers MSMS to continue influencing policy that protects patients, strengthens our profession, and improves health care in Michigan. Every contribution helps amplify physician advocacy where it matters most.