News & Media
Legislative Momentum and Scope Dominate Health Policy Talks in the Legislature
Legislative activity this week was a mixed bag. The Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) is pleased with progress on legislation supported by MSMS regarding physician licensure and patient access to eye drops or ointment. However, we are disappointed that another scope expansion bill has been introduced – this time for physician assistants.
MSMS Celebrates Progress on CME and Licensing Updates
MSMS is happy to report that HB 5313 received a unanimous vote of support in the House Committee on Health Policy. This is an important milestone in advancing meaningful licensure reform. The bill has now been referred to the Committee on Rules, where it awaits the next step in the legislative process.
HB 5313 delivers practical and physician-focused reforms to Michigan’s Continuing Medical Education requirements, reducing required hours from 150 to 75, establishing criteria that must be considered before adopting new content areas or continuing existing, and creating a set-aside pathway for certain, minor infractions.
The unanimous vote signals broad bipartisan support for modernizing regulatory frameworks in a manner that supports both physicians and patients. We will continue working to ensure the bill advances smoothly through the Rules Committee and beyond. You can lend your support for the bill by clicking here to contact your Representative.
Scope Expansion for Physician Assistants Introduced
HB 5522 was introduced this week and proposes a significant expansion of scope for physician assistants. MSMS believes this legislation is a dangerous expansion of scope that could undermine established standards for physician-led care.
While team-based models are foundational to modern care delivery, scope changes must be grounded in:
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Equivalent education and clinical training
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Clear supervisory and collaborative frameworks
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Defined accountability mechanisms
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Demonstrated improvements in patient outcomes
As introduced, HB 5522 raises concerns about patient safety and quality oversight. MSMS and our coalition partners will actively engage policymakers to ensure that any changes to scope of practice preserve rigorous clinical standards and protect patients. To view the statement from MSMS President Amit Ghose, MD, click here.
Unused Portions of Eye Drops or Ointments
Also this week, HB 4072 was heard in the Senate Health Policy Committee. The bill would allow patients to take home the unused portion of ophthalmic ointment following certain procedures, addressing waste concerns and improving patient convenience.
MSMS has existing policy supporting legislation of this nature and submitted a card in support to reflect that position. Allowing patients to retain unused medication in appropriate circumstances promotes efficiency, reduces unnecessary waste, and maintains continuity of post-procedural care.
The bill has already been approved by the House and MSMS will monitor its progress as it is considered by the Senate.
For questions on these or other issues before the Michigan Legislature, please contact Kate Dorsey, MSMS Director of State and Federal Government Relations, at kdorsey@msms.org or 517-336-5737.