The Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) closely monitors and engages on a number of legislative and regulatory issues that affect physicians and their patients. From health policy and licensure to scope of practice and patient safety, we track it all—so doctors can stay focused on caring for their patients. This week, several bills we’re monitoring in different committees were on brought up for discussion.

House Health Policy Committee

This week, the House Health Policy Committee considered several bills related to dentistry. Of particular interest to MSMS members were House Bills 4593 and 4594, which clarify who may represent themselves as a dental specialist.

• HB 4593 would prohibit a dentist from claiming specialty status in any recognized field without holding the appropriate specialty license, and would also bar dentists from presenting themselves as specialists in areas that do not have an officially recognized specialty license.
• HB 4594 would add “dental specialist” to the list of protected professional titles, ensuring that only individuals with the required qualifications and licensing may use it.

These discussions underscore ongoing conversations around scope of practice and title transparency—issues MSMS has long championed on behalf of the medical profession. We continue to work toward introduction of a medical title transparency bill and will share updates as progress is made.

House Rules Committee

The House Rules Committee considered HB 4926, which would allow for the set-aside of a continuing education requirement violation under certain conditions. MSMS supports this measure and is also exploring broader solutions to continuing education and licensure challenges.

Senate Health Policy Committee

The Senate Health Policy Committee heard testimony on HB 4077 and HB 4078, which aim to streamline the death certification process. MSMS CEO Tom George, MD, testified in support of the legislation. MSMS has worked closing with the Michigan Funeral Directors Association to identify a solution that ensures the timely completion of death certificates instead of defaulting to an expansion of scope by allowing non-physician practitioners to sign them.

Looking Ahead

The House Health Policy Committee is expected to vote on HB 4399 next Wednesday, November 5, at 9:00 a.m. While we anticipate that a majority of the Committee will vote to adopt, it remains vital for physicians to show strong opposition as this is just the first step in a long process. We encourage members to contact their representatives and, if possible, attend the committee meeting in person to demonstrate that this issue—and the principle of physician-led, patient-centered care—is far from settled. Showing up to meetings in Lansing and in your respective communities underscores that physicians will never compromise on patient safety.