Rep. Carrie Rheingans

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies in Michigan to reimburse telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person office visits. It mandates that insurers cannot deny coverage for remote care if the service is appropriate and provided by a licensed professional in the patient's state. The law defines telemedicine as remote communication using secure audio or video technology or online messaging. While patients still pay the same copays and deductibles as they would for a physical appointment, the insurance coverage itself must be equal to that of face-to-face care.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new program to enforce federal standards for asbestos emissions during building renovations and demolitions in Michigan. It requires owners or operators to pay a $100 notification fee and a $10 modification fee for each change to their project plans, with public entities allowed to pass these costs to contractors under certain conditions. The state will use the collected fees to fund mandatory inspections, starting with 15% of projects in 2023 and 2024, and gradually increasing to 25% of projects by 2027. All revenue generated from these fees will be deposited into a dedicated state fund used exclusively for asbestos-related inspection activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that Michigan's Medicaid and Healthy Michigan programs reimburse telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person office visits. It directly affects healthcare providers and patients who use remote medical services by ensuring financial parity between virtual and physical appointments. The legislation does not alter existing rules about where telehealth can be conducted or who must verify patient eligibility, but it specifically mandates equal payment rates for these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires local governments and land bank authorities in Michigan to include specific clauses in contracts with asbestos abatement and demolition contractors. Under the new rules, these public entities can withhold payment if a contractor, subcontractor, or their team enters into or begins negotiating an administrative consent order for environmental violations related to asbestos projects. Additionally, the bill mandates that contractors must disclose any existing or pending legal orders from environmental agencies to the hiring government body before work begins. These measures aim to ensure that contractors adhere to environmental regulations by creating financial incentives for compliance and transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Michigan's Medicaid and Healthy Michigan programs to expand coverage for telemedicine services, specifically clarifying that visits originating from a patient's home or school are covered. It defines a "distant site" as the location of the healthcare professional providing the service, allowing for both audio-only and video interactions. The legislation requires providers to verify patient eligibility, ensure a private environment for the visit, and follow clinical guidelines while prohibiting restrictions on reimbursement rates or technology that are more strict than those for in-person care. Additionally, it ensures that services delivered through federally qualified health centers are eligible for reimbursement and mandates that managed care programs include these telemedicine services in their rate development.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies in Michigan to cover treatment for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections. The law specifically mandates that these plans include coverage for therapies such as intravenous immunoglobulin. It applies to all health insurance policies delivered, issued, or renewed within the state, as well as those issued outside the state for Michigan residents. The changes take effect 90 days after the bill is signed into law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution declares May 25, 2024, as Africa Day in the state of Michigan to honor the founding of the African Union and celebrate the contributions of African descendants and immigrants to the state. The measure encourages schools, communities, and public officials to organize events and activities that highlight African history, culture, and achievements. By adopting this symbolic designation, the legislature aims to foster greater appreciation and understanding of the diverse African community within Michigan.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 20 to 27, 2024, as Michigan Beach Safety Week to highlight safety measures for visitors to the state's lakes and beaches. The bill serves as a public awareness campaign encouraging people to follow specific safety guidelines, such as learning to swim, avoiding alcohol near water, and heeding warning signs. By formally declaring this week, the legislature aims to remind residents and tourists about potential aquatic hazards like rip currents before the summer season begins. The measure does not create new laws or funding but rather promotes existing safety practices through an official state proclamation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 23, 2024, as Stop the Bleed Day throughout Michigan to raise awareness about hemorrhage control. The measure highlights the importance of bystanders using tourniquets or direct pressure to stop life-threatening bleeding before emergency responders arrive. By officially recognizing this date, the bill aims to encourage citizens and public venues like schools and businesses to participate in training and stock bleeding control kits.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Michigan Mental Health Code to officially include physician assistants, certified nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists in the legal definition of mental health professionals. By amending multiple sections of the existing law, the legislation allows these advanced practice providers to perform certain examinations and deliver services that were previously restricted to other types of licensed clinicians. The change directly affects mental health service providers, patients, and the regulatory framework governing who can deliver care under the state's mental health system.