Healthcare

passed both · Michigan · Senate Dec 23, 2025

SB 95: Health facilities: hospitals; collection of debts; prohibit if hospital is not in compliance with price transparency laws. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0094'25

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits hospitals from debt collection during non-compliance with price transparency laws, protecting patients from financial harm due to lack of price disclosure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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in committee · Michigan · House Nov 12, 2025

HR 217: A resolution to urge the United States Congress, Department of War, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and investment in non-technology treatment options for servicemembers and veterans who have psychological trauma as a result of military service.

HR 217 is a House resolution urging the U.S. Congress, Department of War, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and funding for non-technology mental health treatments for veterans and servicemembers with psychological trauma from military service. It specifically highlights promising approaches like buddy-to-buddy programs, clinical psychedelic therapy, outdoor therapy, and service animal access, while also calling for resources to support families affected by veterans' behavioral health challenges. The resolution does not create new law or funding but formally requests federal agencies focus on these alternative treatment options. It was introduced by Rep. Mike McFall and referred to the Government Operations Committee in November 2025.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareUrges funding for non-tech mental health treatments (psychedelic therapy, outdoor therapy) for veterans, directly advancing mental health care access and research priorities.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly urges funding for non-tech mental health treatments for veterans, directly advancing healthcare services and recognition of psychological trauma needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

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passed · Michigan · House Jan 15, 2026

HB 4925: Health occupations: physicians; license to engage in the practice of medicine for international medical school graduates; provide for under certain circumstances. Amends secs. 17012 & 17031 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17012 & 333.17031) & adds sec. 17012a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4896'25

HB 4925 would change Michigan's medical licensing rules to allow international medical graduates to obtain licenses under specific conditions. It amends existing statutes (MCL 333.17012 & 333.17031) by adding a new provision (section 17012a) that establishes eligibility pathways for these doctors. The bill directly affects international medical school graduates seeking to practice medicine in Michigan. This policy change creates a formal process for qualifying graduates to meet state licensing requirements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables international medical graduates to obtain licenses, expanding physician workforce and improving patient access to care in Michigan.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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passed both · Michigan · House Dec 2, 2025

HB 4926: Health: licensing; procedure for vacating disciplinary records of certain licensees or registrants; provide for. Amends secs. 16211, 16216 & 16238 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16211 et seq.) & adds sec. 16211a.

HB 4926 amends Michigan's health licensing law to create a new process for certain licensed health professionals to have disciplinary records vacated. It adds Section 16211a to the licensing code, establishing specific criteria and procedures for licensees who had past disciplinary actions to petition to clear those records after meeting defined conditions. This directly affects licensed nurses, pharmacists, and other health registrants who faced disciplinary actions but have since demonstrated rehabilitation and compliance. The bill provides a structured, statutory pathway for these individuals to seek record clearance, moving beyond previous administrative discretion.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables health professionals to clear disciplinary records, removing barriers to practice and supporting workforce availability in healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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passed · Michigan · Senate Jun 30, 2026

SB 702: Civil procedure: foreclosure; foreclosure or garnishment of wages for medical debt; prohibit. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0701'25

SB 702, the "Medical Debt Protection Act," limits how medical debt can be collected in Michigan. It prohibits interest or late fees for 90 days after a bill is due and caps annual interest at 3%. The bill bans wage garnishment, foreclosure, and other aggressive collection tactics for patients eligible for financial assistance under a healthcare facility’s policy. It also restricts selling medical debt to third parties without strict safeguards, requiring debt buyers to follow specific rules and return debt if a patient qualifies for financial help. The law directly affects patients with medical debt, large healthcare facilities, and medical debt collectors.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits wage garnishment and caps medical debt interest, protecting patients from aggressive collection tactics and improving access to healthcare services.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBans foreclosure for medical debt, protecting homeowners from losing housing due to medical bills, directly strengthening tenant/homeowner protections and housing stability.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill prohibits wage garnishment for medical debt, protecting workers' take-home pay. Directly aligns with Labor & Employment protections for wage security and financial stability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages

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passed · Michigan · Senate Jun 17, 2026

SB 450: Health facilities: hospitals; certain hospital financial assistance policies; make subject to the hospital financial assistance act. Amends sec. 17 of 1913 PA 350 (MCL 331.167). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0449'25

SB 450 amends Michigan law to require public hospital boards to follow the Hospital Financial Assistance Act when setting patient payment policies for non-charity care. It directly affects county public hospitals by making their financial assistance policies subject to existing state standards under the Hospital Financial Assistance Act. The bill updates Section 17 of the 1913 Public Act 350 to clarify that hospital trustees' authority over patient fees is governed by this act, ensuring consistent financial assistance rules across public hospitals.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates public hospitals to comply with Hospital Financial Assistance Act, ensuring consistent patient payment policies and protecting access to care for non-charity patients.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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passed · Michigan · Senate Jun 17, 2026

SB 449: Health facilities: hospitals; hospital financial assistance act; enact. Creates new act.

SB 449 requires Michigan hospitals to create and implement financial assistance programs for uninsured patients and those with high medical debt relative to income. Specifically, hospitals must offer up to 100% discounts for patients earning at or below 350% of federal poverty guidelines, base eligibility on objective income metrics, and publish program details clearly on bills, statements, and websites in plain language. Hospitals must also report annual data on program usage and debt relief to the state health department by 2027, with violations subject to $10,000 civil fines. The law directly affects uninsured patients and hospital financial operations, aiming to reduce barriers to care for low-income individuals.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires hospitals to provide financial assistance for low-income patients, expanding access and reducing debt burdens, aligning with healthcare support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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in committee · Michigan · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 5251: Human services: medical services; coverage for prescribed pediatric extended care; require. Amends 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.1 - 400.119b) by adding sec. 109u. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5252'25

HB 5251 requires Michigan's medical assistance program (Medicaid for low-income residents) to cover prescribed pediatric extended care for children. This specifically affects low-income children in Michigan who need specialized, long-term medical care beyond standard hospital stays. The bill amends state law to mandate this coverage under existing rules for pediatric extended care (Part 219A of the Public Health Code). The coverage would apply to children receiving medically necessary care as prescribed by a doctor. The bill is contingent on the passage of companion legislation (HB 5252).

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates Medicaid coverage expansion for pediatric extended care, directly expanding health coverage for low-income children under existing medical services law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Hospitals Medicaid

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passed · Michigan · Senate Dec 10, 2025

SB 475: Health occupations: health professionals; invasive bodily examinations; prohibit under certain circumstances. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 16280. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0476'25

SB 475 prohibits health professionals (such as doctors and nurses) from performing invasive bodily examinations on anesthetized or unconscious patients. Exceptions allow such exams only with the patient's written consent for necessary care, consent tied to a related surgical procedure, or in emergencies where consent isn't possible. The bill also requires consent forms to specify whether trainee students in health programs may perform these exams. This applies to all licensed health workers and their training programs in Michigan.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits unauthorized invasive exams without consent, protecting patient rights and autonomy in healthcare settings per bill's consent requirements.95% confidence

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passed · Michigan · Senate Nov 13, 2025

SB 443: Health facilities: other; surgical smoke plume evacuation plan; require. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 20187.

SB 443 requires Michigan health facilities performing specific surgical procedures to implement policies mandating the use of surgical smoke plume evacuation systems. It directly affects hospitals and clinics conducting procedures involving heat-producing equipment (like electrosurgery, lasers, or other heated instruments), which generate harmful smoke containing vapor, gas, or particles. The bill mandates that facilities develop and enforce policies ensuring evacuation systems capture and neutralize the smoke at the surgical site before it can contact staff or patients' eyes or airways. This creates a concrete safety requirement to protect healthcare workers and patients from exposure to potentially hazardous surgical smoke.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates evacuation of surgical smoke (containing harmful particles/gases), reducing airborne pollutants in healthcare settings, aligning with pollution control under environmental protection.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates surgical smoke evacuation systems to protect patients/staff from harmful emissions during procedures, advancing health facility safety standards.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates surgical smoke evacuation systems to protect healthcare workers from hazardous smoke exposure, directly improving workplace safety for medical staff.95% confidence

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