Sen. Sylvia Santana

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals in Michigan to adopt and publicly post a written policy outlining the rights and responsibilities of patients. The new policy must include specific protections such as non-discrimination, access to medical records, privacy during treatment, and the right to refuse care while being informed of the consequences. A critical provision ensures that hospitals must stabilize a pregnant patient in labor before terminating the patient-provider relationship due to a refusal of treatment. Additionally, the bill mandates that facilities provide clear information about billing, financial assistance, and the staff responsible for a patient's direct care.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Michigan's Essential Health Provider Repayment Program to include midwives alongside other healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, and dentists. By adding midwives to the list of eligible "designated professionals," the legislation allows them to receive loan repayments or expense reimbursements if they agree to work full-time in designated health resource shortage areas. The key mechanism involves a contractual agreement where the state repays a portion of the professional's education debt or training costs in exchange for a service commitment that matches the repayment amount or lasts for at least two years. This change aims to incentivize midwives to practice in underserved communities to help address local healthcare needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Michigan's civil rights protections by explicitly adding pregnancy and lactating status to the definition of "sex" under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. It directly affects businesses, educational institutions, and public services by prohibiting discrimination against individuals based on these specific conditions. The law clarifies that places of public accommodation include various private clubs, such as country clubs and sports organizations, ensuring broader coverage against unfair treatment. By amending existing statutes, the measure aims to ensure that pregnant people and those who are lactating are treated with the same protections as other individuals in public spaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Estates and Protected Individuals Code to allow individuals to specify their wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment if they become pregnant while a patient advocate designation is in effect. It clarifies that a person's pregnancy status does not limit their right to designate a patient advocate or to include instructions on medical care, anatomical gifts, and decision-making standards. The legislation explicitly prohibits using a patient advocate designation to withhold or withdraw treatment from a pregnant patient in a way that results in the patient's death, while still permitting clear and convincing instructions on other end-of-life decisions. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for accepting the designation, including the need for the proposed advocate to sign an acceptance form and adhere to fiduciary standards.

Maddy summaryStarting in 2026, health insurance plans in Michigan that currently cover immunizations must also cover specific services provided by pharmacists. This includes vaccines administered by qualified agents, laboratory tests, and medications dispensed at network pharmacies under existing public health laws. While these services must be covered, insurers can still apply standard rules such as prior authorization and cost-sharing fees like deductibles or copays. The law directly affects health insurance companies and their policyholders by expanding the scope of pharmacy-based care that must be included in coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Michigan Mental Health Code to allow psychiatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants to petition for involuntary outpatient treatment orders. Previously, only physicians, psychologists, and other specific professionals could file these petitions to extend treatment for individuals who might refuse care voluntarily. The legislation defines these new eligible providers and requires that their clinical assessments be reviewed by a psychiatrist before a petition is submitted. This change aims to broaden the pool of qualified health professionals who can initiate extended treatment plans under the state's mental health code.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands dispute resolution options for people receiving mental health services in Michigan by mandating that they be offered mediation to settle conflicts with service providers. It requires health programs to inform individuals of their right to mediation when services begin and annually thereafter, while also ensuring that mediators are trained, independent, and knowledgeable about behavioral health laws. The legislation sets specific timelines for the mediation process, requiring it to start within 10 business days and conclude within 60 days, and establishes that any agreements reached are legally binding. Additionally, the bill mandates that contracted mediation organizations report their outcomes to the state department every six months to evaluate the program's effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to create a comprehensive plan to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities across the state. It mandates the department to monitor minority health progress, fund related programs, and establish a dedicated webpage that shares data on morbidity, mortality, and studies regarding biased medical care. The legislation also directs the department to recruit more minority health professionals, provide technical assistance to local coalitions, and include statistics on obstetric racism and violence in state health records.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the transfer of a 92.98-acre state-owned property in Green Oak Township, Livingston County, from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The legislation outlines the specific boundaries of the land and establishes that the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget will manage the transfer process while the receiving department covers associated survey and closing costs. Once approved by the State Administrative Board, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will assume full administrative control and responsibility for the property and any improvements on it.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan law enforcement agencies to create written policies mandating that officers intervene when they witness another officer using excessive force. The legislation defines excessive force as any action beyond what is objectively reasonable to protect safety or comply with laws, and it obligates officers to stop such incidents whenever it is safe and feasible to do so. Additionally, the bill mandates that officers who observe excessive force must report the incident to a supervisor within 72 hours, and it establishes that failing to intervene or report is grounds for disciplinary action, which can include dismissal or demotion. Agencies are also required to provide copies of these new policies to all their officers, while retaining the ability to adopt stricter rules if they choose.