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.
SB 370 creates Michigan's "Tricare premium reimbursement program" to help National Guard members cover health insurance costs. It directly affects Michigan National Guard members eligible for Tricare Reserve Select or Tricare Dental programs who aren't covered by employer plans or other insurance. The program reimburses members for premiums they pay for these specific Tricare plans, using funds from the existing Michigan National Guard Member Benefit Fund. To qualify, members must apply through a department-form on the website, and reimbursements are made only if sufficient funds are available.
HB 4857 amends Michigan’s Public Health Code to strengthen confidentiality protections for emergency service providers receiving critical incident stress management (CISM) services. The bill ensures conversations between first responders (such as police, firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers) and CISM teams remain private, preventing disclosure in court, investigations, or other proceedings. Exceptions include situations where a provider poses an imminent threat to themselves or others, reports abuse, or explicitly waives confidentiality. This change directly affects emergency workers accessing mental health support after traumatic incidents, ensuring they can seek help without fear of their disclosures being used against them. The law applies to all CISM services provided under the existing framework, including peer support, debriefings, and referrals.
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.
HB 4107 requires Michigan schools to include specific health education content for students in grades 7-12. It mandates instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) use, and first aid response kits (including tourniquets and bleeding control supplies) as part of the health curriculum. Schools may use trained personnel like Red Cross instructors, EMTs, or properly trained teachers to deliver this instruction, with hands-on practice encouraged but not required for all students. The bill exempts 100% online schools from requiring hands-on CPR practice.
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.
