News & Media
Legislative Update: Budget Talks Dominate Lansing
Although lawmakers are avoiding major, controversial policy items while they attempt to reach agreement on the state budget, committees continue to meet and address issues with implications for Michigan’s health care community. Regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, negotiations are ongoing, though no new details or progress have yet to be shared.
This week, the Senate Health Policy Committee took up a slate of bills that would allow Michigan to join the national Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (HBs 4103 and 4104), update practice requirements for limited licensed psychologists (SB 413), and revise insurance law to exclude certain federal “excepted benefits” from being treated as full health coverage (HBs 4207 and 4208). Another package, Senate Bills 418, 419, 420, and 421, seeks to modernize the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Act, increase funding flexibility for the Children’s Trust Fund, and allow the Children Trust Michigan State Board to meet remotely. All of these bills were approved by the Senate Health Policy Committee and referred to the Senate Floor, where they will await further action.
Bills reviewed by the House Health Policy Committee included extending liability protections to individuals providing bleeding-control aid in emergencies (HBs 4108 and 4847), requiring distribution of information on cytomegalovirus (CMV) (HB 4402), and expanding options for the final disposition of fetal remains (HB 4841). No votes were taken this week.
While much of the attention at the Capitol centers on the budget, these committee discussions remind us that work on health policy continues to move forward. That makes it all the more important for physicians and advocates of medicine to remain engaged — and one way to do that is by supporting MDPAC.
Join Us at the MDPAC Fundraiser on October 22
The Michigan Doctors Political Action Committee (MDPAC) invites you to an important fundraising event on Wednesday, October 22, at 5:00 p.m. at the Michigan State Medical Society Headquarters (1305 Abbot Road, Suite 200, East Lansing).
This evening will feature special legislative guests, including State Representative Natalie Price, with additional leaders to be announced as they are confirmed.
Now more than ever, it is vital for physicians and advocates of medicine to strengthen relationships with policymakers and ensure that the voices of Michigan’s physicians are heard in Lansing. Your contribution supports MSMS’s ongoing participation at key fundraising events, as well as helps to elect friends of medicine who are committed to advancing sound health policy and protecting the future of physician-led patient care.
Minimum suggested donation: $75
- Checks may be made out to “Michigan Doctors’ PAC”
- Or donate online at MDPAC.org/Donate
(Note: An account must be created to donate, but physicians do not need to be an MSMS member.)
Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Michigan State Medical Society, 1305 Abbot Road, Suite 200, East Lansing