Healthcare

Senate Bill 36 expands Michigan's essential health provider recruitment strategy to include midwives. The bill amends the public health code, adding midwives to the list of "designated professionals" eligible for a state-administered debt repayment program. Under this program, midwives who have incurred educational debt may receive repayment for their loans or expenses. In exchange, they must commit to practicing full-time in a state-designated health resource shortage area for a specified period.

SB 31 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to require hospitals to adopt written policies covering specific patient rights during childbirth. It directly affects all Michigan hospitals licensed under the Public Health Code and their patients receiving care while pregnant and in labor. The key new provision mandates that hospitals must stabilize a pregnant patient's condition before terminating care if the patient refuses treatment, ensuring they cannot be discharged without medical stabilization. This adds to existing requirements for hospitals to clearly outline patient rights like privacy, access to medical records, and the right to refuse treatment in their written policies.

Senate Bill 32 amends Michigan's insurance code to require insurers offering medical malpractice policies to annually provide specific information. These insurers must submit data about their policies related to perinatal care services to the Department in a manner it determines. Within 60 days, the Department must then forward this information to the Department of Health and Human Services. This data sharing is intended to support a study required under the public health code. The bill will not take effect unless Senate Bill No. 29 also becomes law.

SB 94 prohibits drug manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors from restricting 340B program pharmacies from accessing or receiving 340B drugs, which are discounted medications for safety-net healthcare providers. It requires 340B entities (like community health centers) to submit annual compliance reports starting in 2026, including program audits and community impact details. Additionally, drug manufacturers must report price increases exceeding 15% for drugs costing over $40 per treatment course, including cost data and patent details. These provisions directly affect pharmaceutical companies, participating pharmacies, and healthcare providers enrolled in the federal 340B drug pricing program.

SB 60 removes the expiration date (sunset) from Michigan's participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. This compact allows physicians licensed in one participating state to more easily practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses in each. The bill directly affects physicians seeking to practice across state lines, particularly in neighboring states that are part of the compact. It does not change Michigan's physician licensing requirements within the state but extends the existing agreement to continue enabling interstate medical practice.