News & Media
Legislative Update: House Health Policy, Doctor of the Day, Rural Health Funding Input Sought
Committees continue to meet in Lansing and advance legislation. This week, the House Health Policy Committee met this week to review and advance several pieces of legislation focused on public health, safety, and education. On the policy development side and with significant budget implications, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is seeking input on how Michigan should prioritize funding from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, which is part of H.R. 1, which was passed in July.
House Health Policy Committee Activity
The committee voted on several bills previously heard and advanced them with unanimous, bipartisan approval:
- HB 4107: Updates the model core academic curriculum content standards for health education regarding CPR and use of AEDs.
- HB 4108 and HB 4847: Companion bills granting liability immunity to individuals who render emergency aid using bleeding-control techniques. These measures aim to encourage lifesaving interventions without fear of legal repercussions.
- HB 4402: Requires the dissemination of information on cytomegalovirus (CMV) to parents and in certain health care settings, raising awareness of the risks and prevention strategies for this common but often overlooked condition.
Committee members also heard testimony—without taking votes—on three new topics below. Further deliberation and votes are expected on these bills in the coming weeks:
- HB 4790: Creates an optional CME course available to physicians on menopause and related conditions, addressing an area of care that is frequently underserved.
- HB 4791: Establishes a statewide menopause transition awareness program, aimed at improving public understanding and support for women’s health during this life stage.
- HB 4857: Proposes updates to confidentiality protections for critical incident stress management services, ensuring that first responders and health professionals can access support in the aftermath of traumatic events.
This week’s legislative activity underscores just how important it is for physicians to have a seat at the table when health policy decisions are made. You have the expertise and experience that lawmakers need to hear. One powerful way to make your voice count is by participating in the MSMS Doctor of the Day program.
Get Involved: Be an MSMS Doctor of the Day
The Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) invites physician members to Lansing to engage directly with state legislators through the Doctor of the Day program. As a Doctor of the Day, you’ll meet with lawmakers and key decision-makers, attend committee hearings when relevant, and provide valuable physician perspectives on issues shaping health care in Michigan.
Although the program is scheduled monthly on Wednesdays, MSMS will work with you to find a time that fits your availability. Whether it’s your first visit to the Capitol or you’re already familiar with the legislative process, this is a unique opportunity to see government in action, share your expertise, and ensure the voice of physicians is represented in policy discussions. Your participation not only enriches the legislative process but also strengthens MSMS’s ongoing efforts to build vital relationships with policymakers.
If you are interested in serving as an MSMS Doctor of the Day, please contact Kate Dorsey. Together, we can amplify the physician voice in Lansing.
Let MDHHS Know How to Prioritize Federal Rural Health Funds
MDHHS invites you to take a brief survey to help shape how Michigan prioritizes funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program, which is part of H.R. 1 that was signed into law Friday, July 4.
The Rural Health Transformation Program aims to increase access to rural health providers while improving outcomes for individuals living in rural communities. The $50 billion grant program runs from Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 through FY 2030, with $10 billion allocated per year across the 50 states.
We are seeking input from rural health providers, community partners, Medicaid beneficiaries, and rural residents to guide how this one-time funding can best support:
- Increased sustainability and growth for rural providers to serve their communities, especially with other federal funding cuts being implemented.
- Rural workforce recruitment, training and retention.
- Improved health outcomes and access for Medicaid beneficiaries and residents in rural communities.
Please complete this survey by 5 p.m., EST, Monday, Sept. 22.
Take the survey: Rural Health Transformation Program Funding Priorities Survey.