Several healthcare-related measures advanced in the Michigan Legislature this week, addressing issues ranging from anesthesia workforce capacity to medical debt protections and administrative improvements to death certificate processing. Lawmakers also continue discussions on scope-of-practice legislation affecting nurse practitioners and physician assistants. The Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) remains actively engaged on these issues, testifying before committees, working with stakeholders, and encouraging physicians to educate legislators about the value of physician-led care.
House Health Policy Committee Takes Up Anesthesiologist Assistant Licensure Bill
The Michigan House Health Policy Committee recently heard testimony on Michigan House Bill 4832, legislation that would establish licensure for anesthesiologist assistants in Michigan. The bill, introduced by Representative David Prestin (R-Cedar River), would amend the Public Health Code to recognize and regulate certified anesthesiologist assistants as licensed health professionals practicing under physician supervision.
Supporters emphasized that the proposal is intended to strengthen access to anesthesia services while maintaining physician oversight and patient safety. The legislation would create a formal licensure pathway and define scope-of-practice parameters for anesthesiologist assistants as members of the anesthesia care team.
MSMS Chief Executive Officer, Tom George, MD, testified in support of the bill. Doctor Georgetold lawmakers the legislation represents “a safe and sustainable way to expand access to anesthesia care while maintaining — and even strengthening — the physician-led care team.”
MSMS noted that physician-led anesthesia care teams are a proven model for delivering high-quality surgical and procedural care. By licensing anesthesiologist assistants in Michigan, the bill would help address workforce shortages and improve patient access to timely care while preserving physician leadership and clinical oversight.
The bill remains under consideration by the House Health Policy Committee.
Senate Committee Advances Medical Debt Protection Bills
This week, the Michigan Senate Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection Committee advanced Senate Bills 701 and 702 without opposition.
The legislation would place new limits on how medical debt can be collected. The bills’ provisions include a cap on annual interest or late fees on medical debt at 3 percent, prohibit the use of property foreclosures and wage garnishments to collect medical debt, and require healthcare facilities to issue refunds within 60 days if a patient paid more than what was owed after financial assistance is applied.
The proposed restrictions would also extend to third-party debt buyers.
MSMS supports the legislation, consistent with House of Delegates–adopted policy addressing medical debt.
Bills Requiring Electronic Death Certificate Filing Head to Governor
Legislation aimed at improving the timeliness and efficiency of death certificate processing in Michigan is now headed to the governor’s desk. House Bills 4077 and 4078 would require the use of the state’s electronic death registry system when completing and filing death certificates.
The bills are intended to address delays that can occur when death certificates are completed or signed outside the electronic system, which can slow processing for families and local officials.
MSMS worked with Michigan’s funeral home directors and medical examiners to help address the issue of delayed signatures and testified in support of the legislation. By requiring use of the electronic registry system, the bills are expected to streamline the process and reduce delays.
Having cleared the Legislature, the measures now await the Governor’s signature.
Scope of Practice Update: HB 4399
House Bill 4399, allowing for the independent practice of medicine by nurse practitioners, remains in the Michigan House Rules Committee as discussions about the legislation continue. The Michigan State Medical Society is in ongoing conversations with the committee chair regarding potential changes to the bill.
There are no immediate plans to move the legislation at this time. However, physicians are encouraged to continue reaching out to their legislators to share their perspectives and educate policymakers about the importance of physician-led care.
Physician Assistant Scope Legislation
Legislation addressing physician assistant independence, House Bill 5522, has also been introduced.
The Michigan State Medical Society is meeting with members of the relevant committees and committee chairs to educate lawmakers about Michigan’s current written practice agreement requirements for physician assistants. MSMS believes the state’s existing framework provides a strong model for team-based care and is advocating for policies that strengthen, rather than replace, those requirements. Messages can be sent to your Representative here.
Upcoming Coffee Hours
To talk to your legislators about these and other policy items, consider attending an in-district event. These events are hosted by legislators specifically to make it easier for their constituents to reach out. Upcoming events can be found below.
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
Representative Tim Kelly (R) Local Coffee Hours 10am to 11am, Miles Market, 6235 Gratiot Road, Saginaw, MI 48638
Representative Tim Kelly (R) Local Coffee Hours 12pm to 1pm, McDonald’s, 1000 N. Saginaw Street. St. Charles, MI 48655
If you have questions, contact Kate Dorsey, MSMS Director of State and Federal Government Relations, at kdorsey@msms.org.