House Bill 4498 proposes to amend Michigan's Public Health Code to allow the Department of Health or local government agencies to authorize and establish "needle and hypodermic syringe access programs." These programs aim to reduce the spread of communicable diseases by providing sterile needles and syringes, as well as other related items. Individuals participating in these authorized programs would be exempt from criminal penalties for possessing or distributing needles, syringes, drug paraphernalia, trace amounts of controlled substances in used equipment, or drug testing equipment. The bill amends sections 7401 and 7403 of the Public Health Code to incorporate these new exemptions.
HB 4686 would allow adults with a diagnosed PTSD to legally create, possess, or use psilocybin or psilocin under strict conditions. It directly affects individuals aged 18+ who have a medical record confirming a PTSD diagnosis. The bill permits possession of up to 2 ounces for personal use only, exempting these activities from existing prohibitions under Michigan’s Public Health Code (sections 7401, 7403, and 7404). This is limited to medical use for PTSD and does not permit commercial activity or broader access.
HB 4165 amends Michigan's licensing requirements for psychologists by updating the supervised postgraduate experience rules. The bill modifies Section 18223 of the Public Health Code to clarify that individuals seeking a full psychology license must complete at least one year of supervised postdoctoral experience in a healthcare setting, as defined by the licensing board. It also specifies that limited licenses for master's degree holders require similar supervised experience and mandate that these licenses include two key restrictions: mandatory supervision by a fully licensed psychologist and prohibitions on advertising as a fully licensed practitioner. The changes primarily affect psychology applicants and current license holders seeking to transition to full licensure.
House Bill 4514 amends the Michigan antitrust reform act to prohibit employers from requiring noncompete agreements for physicians. Specifically, it states that employers cannot obtain noncompete agreements from physicians. Any noncompete agreements entered into between an employer and a physician before this change takes effect would be voided if they are contrary to this new prohibition. The bill defines "physician" by referencing the public health code.
HB 4864 updates Michigan's definition of "elevated blood lead level" (EBL) for children under 6 years old. It lowers the threshold from 20 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL) to 10 ug/dL for case management purposes, aligning with current CDC guidelines. This change directly affects young children in Michigan who undergo blood lead testing, ensuring earlier identification of lead exposure. The bill modifies the Public Health Code's existing definition without creating new programs or funding.
HB 4867 requires local health departments or physicians to refer children under 3 years old with blood lead levels above 10 micrograms per deciliter to Michigan’s Early On program (which supports children with developmental needs). This amendment to the Public Health Code specifically adds this referral mandate to existing lead poisoning prevention requirements. The bill does not create new programs but directs existing resources toward early intervention for affected children. It maintains annual reporting requirements for the department on lead screening data and program expenditures. The bill directly affects young children with elevated lead levels and the health providers who manage their care.
HB 4101 establishes Michigan's participation in the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, enabling physical therapists licensed in Michigan to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. This directly affects physical therapists seeking to work across state lines, particularly those in states already part of the compact. The key mechanism is adopting a standardized licensing framework that allows reciprocal practice privileges among participating states. The bill amends Michigan's public health code to align with the compact's requirements, creating a streamlined process for interstate practice. It does not change existing licensure standards within Michigan but facilitates mobility for licensed physical therapists.
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 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.
This bill would allow pharmacists to sell ivermectin without a prescription in oral, tablet, or topical forms. Pharmacists and retail pharmacies would be directly affected, as they could make the drug available over-the-counter under specific conditions. Key requirements include that the drug must be manufactured under good manufacturing practices and clearly labeled with dosage instructions, contraindications, and safety information. The bill amends Michigan’s Public Health Code to create these provisions (sections 17771 and 17771a).
