While the Michigan Legislature remains on its summer recess, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has continued to sign legislation sent to her desk earlier this year. Several recently enacted bills affect physicians, other health care professionals, and patients. Below are brief summaries of several health care-related measures that are now law.
Interstate Licensure Compacts Expand
SB 501 adopts the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, making it easier for licensed physical therapists to practice across participating states. (Public Act 40 of 2026)
HB 4309 adopts the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, providing a similar pathway for physician assistants to practice in multiple compact states. The legislation is intended to improve workforce mobility and expand patient access to care. MSMS closely monitored both of these matters to ensure no inappropriate expansion of scope was included. (Public Act 45 of 2026)
Surgical Smoke Evacuation Requirements
HB 4779 requires health care facilities to develop and implement policies for the evacuation of surgical smoke generated during procedures. The new requirements are designed to better protect operating room personnel from exposure to potentially hazardous surgical smoke. MSMS reviewed the language to ensure safety without imposing onerous restrictions on clinical facilities. (Public Act 47 of 2026)
Patients May Keep Unused Eye Ointment
HB 4072 allows patients to take home unused ophthalmic ointment following a procedure, rather than requiring the medication to be discarded. The change is expected to reduce waste and improve continuity of post-procedure care. MSMS supported this legislation. (Public Act 41 of 2026)
Changes to Controlled Substance Scheduling
SB 716 updates Michigan law governing the scheduling of certain controlled substances, aligning state requirements with current regulatory and clinical considerations. (Public Act 48 of 2026)
Organ and Tissue Donor Registration
SB 205 authorizes physician practices and other health care providers to offer patients information about registering as organ and tissue donors, helping expand opportunities for donor education during routine health care visits. (Public Act 50 of 2026)
Dental Benefits Payments
SB 105 updates provisions related to the payment of dental benefits, making changes to how dental benefit payments are administered. (Public Act 38 of 2026)
Employer Tax Credit for Organ Donation Leave
SB 301 creates an employer tax credit for providing paid leave to employees who serve as living organ donors. The measure is intended to encourage living organ donation while reducing financial barriers for donors. (Public Act 39 of 2026)
Insurance Coverage Clarification
HBs 4207 and 4208 clarify that certain federally "excepted benefits" are excluded from the definition of a health insurance policy under Michigan law, which will bring state statute into alignment with federal regulations. (Public Acts 53 and 54 of 2026)
MSMS continues to monitor legislation affecting physicians and will provide updates as additional bills are enacted and implementation guidance becomes available.
For further information, please contact MSMS Director of Government Affairs, Kate Dorsey, at kdorsey@msms.org.