HB 4419 adds legal protections to Michigan's health care decision-making framework. It shields health care providers and facilities from liability when following decisions made by a legally designated patient surrogate or advocate, as long as they act in good faith. The bill also protects surrogates and advocates from liability for good-faith health care decisions they make. Providers who intentionally violate these rules face minimum damages of $1,000, while those who falsify or tamper with a patient's health care directive designation face minimum damages of $2,500. This directly affects patients with advance directives, their designated surrogates, and medical providers.
SB 95 (the "hospital price transparency act") prohibits hospitals from attempting to collect debts for services provided when they were not complying with state price transparency laws. It specifically bans hospitals from using debt collectors, suing patients, or reporting debts to credit bureaus for care received during non-compliance periods. The bill directly affects hospitals that fail to publicly list prices for services (like "chargemaster" rates) and patients who received care during those violations. Key provisions define "collection actions" and clarify that hospitals cannot pursue payment for non-compliant billing periods, offering patients remedies if hospitals attempt collection anyway.
HB 4915 prohibits Michigan health licensing boards from requiring implicit bias training as a condition for obtaining or renewing a health professional license (such as for nurses, doctors, or therapists). It directly affects licensed health professionals who would otherwise need to complete such training to maintain their credentials. The bill achieves this by adding a new section to the Public Health Code that blocks the department or boards from enforcing rules mandating this training, while also rescinding an existing administrative code section (MCL 338.7004) related to the requirement. This is a concrete policy change removing a potential licensure condition, not a new mandate.
HB 4509 creates a licensure compact for audiologists and speech-language pathologists in Michigan, allowing professionals licensed in participating states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate Michigan licenses. This directly affects audiologists and speech-language pathologists seeking to work in multiple states, particularly those in states that have joined the compact. The bill amends Michigan law to establish reciprocal licensing agreements, adding new provisions (sections 16187, 16804, and 17603a) to facilitate this process. It does not change patient care standards but streamlines professional mobility for these healthcare providers. The bill passed unanimously in the Michigan House with immediate effect on October 30, 2025.
HB 4484 amends Michigan's Social Welfare Act to allow licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to seek reimbursement for audiological rehabilitation and speech-language therapy services, regardless of whether they hold a certificate of clinical competence. This change directly affects SLPs practicing in Michigan who previously faced potential barriers to reimbursement under existing department rules. The bill removes a prior requirement for the clinical certificate, ensuring reimbursement eligibility solely based on state licensure. It applies to all coverage policies under the Social Welfare Act (MCL 400.1-400.119b), streamlining access to payment for these healthcare services.
This bill amends Michigan's Health Care False Claim Act to expand the definition of "health care insurer" to include automobile insurers providing personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP coverage pays for medical expenses after car accidents, and this change brings auto insurers into the same legal framework as health insurers for false claim enforcement. Previously, the law applied only to health insurers and self-insured entities, but now false claims related to PIP benefits will be subject to the same standards. This directly affects auto insurance companies operating in Michigan that offer PIP coverage.
HB 4219 amends Michigan's mental health law (MCL 330.1416) to strengthen informed consent requirements for patients receiving mental health treatment. It directly affects individuals seeking mental health services by mandating that providers clearly explain treatment options, risks, and alternatives before obtaining consent. The bill requires providers to document this discussion and ensure patients understand their rights. Passed overwhelmingly (103-2) with immediate effect, the law updates existing patient rights protections under the 1974 Mental Health Code.
HB 4417 requires Michigan's state department to provide opioid antagonists (like naloxone) at no cost to life support agencies - such as ambulance services - when requested. This directly affects emergency medical services (EMS) providers operating life support vehicles, ensuring these vehicles are equipped to respond to opioid overdoses. The bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to mandate this free distribution, streamlining access for first responders. It focuses on concrete policy change: making overdose-reversal medications readily available in emergency vehicles without cost to EMS agencies.
HB 4464 requires Michigan health insurers to provide dependent coverage until age 26 without discrimination based on a child's birth status, tax filing, or residence. It mandates coverage for newborns from birth (including congenital defects) and prohibits lifetime or annual dollar limits on essential health benefits like emergency care, hospitalization, and maternity services. The bill also requires insurers to cover specific preventive services - such as evidence-based screenings and immunizations recommended by federal guidelines - without cost-sharing for eligible patients. These requirements apply to most individual and small group health insurance plans in Michigan, excluding grandfathered plans, retiree coverage, and short-term policies.
HB 4380 updates Michigan's physical therapy licensing rules to allow therapists to practice across state lines through the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. The bill amends existing licensing statutes and adds new provisions to align Michigan with this multi-state agreement, directly affecting licensed physical therapists seeking to work in participating states. Key changes include modifying requirements to accept licenses from other compact states, reducing barriers for therapists moving between jurisdictions. This creates a streamlined process for therapists to practice in multiple states without obtaining separate licenses in each. The bill passed the Michigan House unanimously (103-2) in May 2025 and is now before the Health Policy Committee.
