News & Media
House Committee Takes Up MSMS-Developed Licensing Reform
This week the House Health Policy Committee heard testimony on House Bill 5313, legislation developed in collaboration with the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) to modernize physician licensing and disciplinary processes while maintaining patient protections.
MSMS President Amit Ghose, MD, testified in support of the bill, noting that Michigan’s current regulatory framework creates unnecessary administrative burdens that affect physician retention, access to care, and practice sustainability—particularly in rural and underserved communities. HB 5313 updates Michigan’s Public Health Code to better align with national norms without compromising patient safety.
Rebecca Daniel, MD, an MSMS member, addressed the bill’s continuing medical education (CME) provisions. She explained that Michigan’s current requirement of 150 CME hours every three years is among the most burdensome in the nation and exceeds that of most neighboring states. HB 5313 would reduce the requirement to 75 hours and establish a five-year review cycle for mandatory CME topics to ensure they remain relevant and evidence-based.
MSMS Legal Counsel, Kathleen A. Westfall, Esq., highlighted the significant downstream consequences of licensing sanctions—even minor ones—such as loss of board certification, insurance participation, hospital privileges, and employment opportunities. She emphasized that HB 5313 would allow physicians to cure unintentional CME deficiencies and would give licensing boards discretion to set aside past disciplinary records when appropriate and in the public interest.
Committee members were engaged and receptive, asking thoughtful questions and expressing appreciation for efforts to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens on physicians. The Michigan Osteopathic Society testified in support of the bill’s overall intent, while raising concerns about the extent of the proposed CME hours reduction.
MSMS will continue advocating for HB 5313 as it moves through the legislative process.
In other news, the House passed House Bill 5455, which would reinstate Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. This legislation follows the state’s withdrawal from the Compact last March when a statutory sunset date passed without legislative action. HB 5455 now moves to the Senate, though the path forward remains unclear. The Senate has already passed Senate Bill 303, an identical bill that is currently awaiting action by the House Committee on Rules. At this time, Leadership in the two Chambers does not yet appear aligned on how to advance the legislation.
Stay Engaged: Connect with Your Legislators
As these issues continue to move through the Legislature, physicians’ voices matter. Attending a local, in-district event—such as a legislator Coffee Hour—is a valuable way to share your perspective and help shape health policy.
Upcoming events are listed below.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9
- Representative Betsy Coffia (D) Office Hours 12:00pm-1:00pm, Leelanau County Governmental Center: 8527 E Government Center Dr. Suttons Bay, MI 49653
- Senator John Cherry (D) Coffee Hours 10:00am to 11:00am, Flushing Senior Center: 106 Elm St. Flushing, MI 48433
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16
- Representative Ann Bollin (R) Local Office Hour 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., Walled Lake City Hall, 1499 E. West Maple Road in Walled Lake
- Representative Ann Bollin (R) Local Office Hour 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Coffee Beanery, 4433 Old U.S. 23 in Brighton