News & Media
Focused Committee Activity Ahead of Year-End Adjournment
Following a brief Thanksgiving recess, the Legislature returned to Lansing with a measured but purposeful agenda. With only a handful of session days remaining before year-end, committees are concentrating on advancing priority initiatives and positioning complex policy work for early action in 2026. MSMS anticipates renewed attention in the New Year on scope-of-practice proposals and efforts to streamline licensure and regulatory processes. Make sure to tell your legislators that dangerous scope expansion measures have no place in Michigan and see the most recent Call to Action sent on December 11th below.
Register for Advocacy Day
MSMS encourages all physicians to register for Advocacy Day on March 11, 2026. This event provides an opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers about timely issues impacting medical practice and patient care in Michigan. With key debates ahead—ranging from nurse practitioner independent practice to step therapy reforms and reimbursement challenges—physician engagement is essential to ensure policymakers understand the realities of practicing medicine in Michigan. Advocacy Day offers a structured, impactful forum to share your expertise, build relationships, and strengthen the collective voice of Michigan physicians.
Two MSMS Physicians Testify in Senate Committee on Judiciary, Civil Rights, and Public Safety
The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Civil Rights, and Public Safety had a full agenda this Wednesday. MSMS weighed in on two of the bills under consideration. First, Brian Stork, MD, spoke in support of Senate Bill 539, which would instruct the Michigan State Police (MSP) to establish a temporary and indefinite do-not-sell lists for firearms and develop an application for an individual to include or remove that individual's name from a do-not-sell list. The MSP would have to make the application available free of charge to health professionals. Health professionals would be encouraged, but not required, to discuss the do-not-sell lists with patients if the health professional reasonably believed that a discussion would avoid an imminent danger to the health or safety of the individual or any other individual. The committee voted to approve the bill and referred it to the Senate floor, where it will await further action.
Later in the committee, Michael Redinger, MD, spoke about MSMS’ concerns regarding House Bill 4418. This bill is an important effort to address gaps in Michigan’s surrogate medical decision-making process. Much of it is a step in the right direction; however, MSMS has concerns about a certain phrase that creates ambiguity about the authority of a patient surrogate under the Dignified Death Act. MSMS is working closely with relevant organizations to find a mutually agreeable solution that helps families and physicians prioritize what’s best for patients.
House Health Policy
The committee held testimony on a broad range of health-related legislation. Members heard presentations on three mental-health bills (HBs 4412-4414) revising hospitalization procedures, expanding evaluations for assisted outpatient treatment, and creating outpatient treatment options for certain misdemeanor offenders. Additional testimony covered legislation to incorporate Michigan into the Physical Therapy Licensing Compact (SB 501). members received testimony on
The committee also reported the following:
- A package of abortion-reporting bills (HBs 5201-5203) that would re-establish detailed provider reporting requirements and create sentencing guidelines for improper release of confidential abortion information.
- Legislation (HB 5162) to update controlled-substance scheduling.
- Senate Bill 95, which would prohibit hospitals from collecting patient debt if they are not compliant with federal price-transparency standards, was reported with a substitute (H-3).
House Bill 4915, an initiative that supporters say aligns with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ broader regulatory goals, would prohibit implicit bias training requirements for health care licensees. While MSMS opposes state-mandated CME content, it continues to advocate for a comprehensive, systemwide approach to licensing reform rather than isolated program changes. To view MSMS’s new licensing reform bill, see the MSMS article on House Bill 5313.
Upcoming Local Meetings with Legislators
Legislator-hosted coffee hours provide a valuable forum to engage directly with your elected officials, exchange viewpoints, and stay informed about developments in Lansing. These interactions help strengthen ongoing relationships, ensuring policymakers can rely on their local physicians for informed insight as they consider issues affecting patients, communities, and the practice of medicine.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15
Standish City Hall, 399 E Beaver St, Standish, MI 48658
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
Representatives Jason Hoskins (D), Natalie Price (D), Samantha Steckloff (D), and Senator Jeremy Moss (D) Southfield Community Conversation 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.