While Lansing in Recess, MSMS Works: Legislative Advocacy That Doesn’t Pause

News & Media

While Lansing in Recess, MSMS Works: Legislative Advocacy That Doesn’t Pause

Although both the Michigan House and Senate have been in recess for their respective in-district Spring work periods, the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) has remained fully engaged in monitoring legislative activity. Our advocacy team continues to conduct thorough reviews of proposed legislation that may impact Michigan physicians, their practices, and the patients they serve.

In addition to tracking formally introduced legislation, MSMS closely monitors draft bills and early policy concepts that have yet to be officially introduced. Thanks to our strong relationships with lawmakers and key groups, MSMS is frequently invited to provide input during the early stages of legislative development. This proactive engagement allows us not only to offer feedback but also to advance our own policy priorities directly with legislators. Current areas of focus include, but are not limited to, proposals related to the treatment of opioid use disorder and substance use disorder, scope of practice, step therapy reform, pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulation, continuing medical education requirements, and state budget allocations impacting health care. By staying ahead of the legislative curve, MSMS ensures that the interests of Michigan physicians and patients are effectively represented and protected.

Below is a selection of several bills MSMS is currently tracking. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and our team is actively monitoring many additional proposals to ensure the voice of Michigan's medical community is heard at every step.

House Bills

Records: health; health information exchange; establish certain requirements to operate a health data utility

Referred to Cmttee on Health Policy | Hearing held, vote expected

VanderWall

Insurance: other; allocation of revenue under the insurance provider assessment act; modify

Referred to Cmttee on Health Policy | Hearing held, vote expected

Health: pharmaceuticals; allow patients to take unused portion of eye drops or eye ointments after certain procedures for continued patient care; provide for

Referred to Cmttee on Health Policy | Hearing held, vote expected

Health: medical examiners; process for medical certification of a death record; modify

Referred to Cmttee on Health Policy | Unanimously approved by committee

Health: medical examiners; requirements for an investigation of the cause and manner of death

Referred to Cmttee on Health Policy | Unanimously approved by committee

Health occupations: nurses; nurse licensure compact; enact

Referred to Cmttee on Health Policy

Health: licensing; questions pertaining to mental health; remove from application for licensure and registration.

Referred to Cmttee on Health Policy

VanderWall

Traffic control: driver license; exceptions to driver license suspension for certain individuals who suffered an epileptic seizure; provide for

Referred to Cmttee on Health Policy

Health occupations: physicians; voluntary reporting to secretary of state patients with certain conditions that affect ability to operate a motor vehicle; modify

Referred to Cmttee on Health Policy

Senate Bills

Health: pharmaceuticals; prescription drug cost and affordability review act; create

Referred to Cmttee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection

Klilnefelt

Insurance: health insurers; compliance with the prescription drug cost and affordability review act; require

Referred to Cmttee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection

Human services: medical services; compliance with the prescription drug cost and affordability review act; require

Referred to Cmttee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection

Health: pharmaceuticals; drug manufacturers from engaging in certain conduct with pharmacies participating with a 340B program; prohibit. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0095'25

Referred to Cmttee on Oversight | Passed by Cmtee | Approved by full Senate | Awaiting House Action

Health facilities: hospitals; collection of debts; prohibit if hospital is not in compliance with price transparency laws. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0094'25

Referred to Cmttee on Oversight | Passed by Cmtee | Approved by full Senate | Awaiting House Action

Insurance: health insurers; coverage for immunization agents and certain laboratory tests administered and ordered by a pharmacist; require

Referred to Health Policy | Approved by Cmttee

Insurance: health insurers; compliance with affordable care act coverage; modify.

Referred to Health Policy | Reported favorably w/ sub S-1 |

Health: testing; notification of dense breast tissue; eliminate, and provide for other general amendments to the use of radiation machines for mammography

Referred to Health Policy | Passed by Cmttee

Mental health: other; recipient rights advisory committee membership; modify

Referred to Cmttee on Housing and Human Services

Mental health: recipient rights; informed consent requirements for mental health treatment; provide for

Referred to Cmttee on Housing and Human Services

Health occupations: physical therapists; prescription requirement for physical therapy treatment; eliminate, and make other modifications to the practice of physical therapy

Referred to Health Policy | Passed by Cmttee

Health facilities: certificate of need; certificate of need requirements for certain outpatient imaging centers

Referred to Cmtee on Health Policy

Crimes: other; preventing access to a health care facility; prohibit

Referred to Cmtee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety

For information on these or other legislative issues, please contact Kate Dorsey.