HB 5422 amends Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act (2018 PA 338) to clarify and expand permissible uses of accrued sick time for workers. It specifically updates Section 4(1) to allow sick time for medical care related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or violent crime; school meetings about a child's health or disability; and public health emergencies. The bill also refines notice requirements for employers, permitting advance notice up to 7 days for foreseeable absences. This amendment directly affects Michigan workers covered under the existing sick time law, ensuring clearer access to time off for health, family, and safety needs.
HB 5353 requires Michigan health insurers to cover all immunizations listed in the state's Public Health Code (MCL 333.9227) under health insurance policies. This applies to insurers offering policies in Michigan, directly affecting both insurers and policyholders who need these vaccinations. The bill adds a new section (3406uu) to the insurance code, mandating coverage for recommended vaccines without additional cost to the patient. The law will only take effect if companion bill HB 5351 is also enacted.
HB 5345 requires child care centers in Michigan serving more than 12 children to track and report immunization rates for enrolled children and staff starting June 1, 2028. It mandates that centers provide parents with anonymous, aggregated data on vaccination status (fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or exempt due to medical, religious, or philosophical reasons) and post this information publicly on their website or in a visible location at the facility. The bill applies only to licensed child care centers, not group or family child care homes, and requires centers to convert all data to anonymous, aggregated form before sharing. This is a transparency measure focused on providing parents with clear, factual information about immunization rates within the child care setting.
HB 5354 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to allow pharmacists and community-based organizations to dispense or administer opioid antagonists (like naloxone) under standing orders issued by the chief medical executive during public health emergencies or when prescription requirements conflict with public health needs. It specifies conditions for issuing these orders - such as protecting public health during emergencies or ensuring access without individual prescriptions - and requires detailed documentation in each standing order. The bill also provides liability protection for pharmacists, community organizations, and health department staff acting under these orders, unless the action involves willful misconduct or gross negligence. Standing orders expire after 1 year (for non-emergency uses) or 6 months (for emergencies), with extensions requiring public justification on the state health department website.
HB 5446 modifies Michigan's Public Health Code to clarify how naturopathic doctors may use professional titles and expand their practice authority. It requires naturopathic doctors to specify "of naturopathic medicine" when using "doctor" titles (e.g., "Dr. Jane Smith, of naturopathic medicine"). The bill also adds a provision requiring the state to set annual fees for naturopathic licensure to cover administrative costs. Additionally, it explicitly includes "licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine" in the definition of "prescriber," allowing them to prescribe medications under the same framework as other licensed health professionals. These changes directly affect naturopathic doctors seeking licensure or practicing in Michigan.
HB 5350 requires local health departments to annually report school immunization rates and exemption data to local governing bodies (like city councils). Starting June 1, 2028, health officers must submit detailed, de-identified reports showing overall vaccination levels, medical and non-medical exemption percentages, and list schools with over 5% exemptions along with plans to reduce them. This directly affects schools, health departments, and local governments by increasing transparency around vaccination coverage. The bill amends existing law to strengthen accountability for immunization compliance without changing exemption rules themselves.
HB 5351 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to update how the state health department creates rules for childhood immunizations. It requires the department to consider recommendations from major health organizations like the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and others when setting immunization rules, including minimum ages, doses, and school requirements. If recommendations from these groups conflict, the department must consult Michigan's advisory committee on immunizations. The bill also mandates that immunization requirements stay at least as strict as those in effect on January 1, 2025, if federal guidelines change. This bill directly affects the health department's rulemaking process and impacts schools, healthcare providers, and families managing childhood vaccination schedules.
House Bill 4475 proposes to amend the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on an individual's vaccination status or whether they possess an "immunity passport." It would prevent state or local governmental entities, private universities, and community colleges from denying services, goods, educational opportunities, healthcare, or employment for these reasons. Employers would also be prohibited from discriminating against individuals in hiring, termination, or terms of employment due to vaccination status. The bill includes specific exceptions, such as for certain child care organizations, federal contractors, and regulated entities whose funding depends on compliance with federal health regulations. Additionally, it allows vaccination requirements for employees in roles with direct exposure to infectious materials or in public health/medical settings where vaccinations are necessary for their duties.
HB 4497 amends Michigan's Public Health Code to modify the legal definition of "drug paraphernalia." The bill establishes that "drug paraphernalia" does not include testing products used to determine if a controlled substance contains harmful chemicals, toxic substances, or hazardous compounds that could cause physical harm or death. This specifically includes items like fentanyl testing strips. This change affects individuals who possess or use such testing products, clarifying their legal status under the law.
HB 4438 aims to protect employees in Michigan from retaliation by their employers. It prohibits employers from taking adverse actions, such as reducing pay, denying promotions, or terminating employment, against an employee. This protection applies when an employee raises concerns or criticizes the employer's handling or management of a communicable disease in the workplace. Employees can voice these concerns to the employer, other employees, state agencies, or the public, including through social media. The bill also allows affected employees to file a civil lawsuit for damages or injunctive relief.
