Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday signed bills that support health professionals working in medically underserved communities, combat the opioid epidemic, and other legislation.
“Today’s bill signing builds on our momentum bringing Democrats and Republicans together to get things done for Michiganders,” said Whitmer. “These bills supporting health professionals in medically underserved communities, combatting the opioid epidemic, and more are examples of what we can achieve when we work together. I am committed to getting things done on the kitchen-table issues and will work with anyone to put Michigan first.”
—Support for Health Professionals Working in Medically Underserved Communities
Together, Senate Bills 246 and 435 increase loan forgiveness for health professionals who work in medically underserved communities as part of the Michigan Essential Health Provider Program. The bills increase the loan forgiveness to a maximum of $300,000 over the course of 10 years and expand the physician specializations that qualify for the essential health provider repayment program.
“I’m excited by the unique opportunity that this bill offers. Communities all around the state are facing a real problem in this shortage of medical professionals. This bill will offer tuition
relief for medical students that sign contracts in areas of need,” said Sen. Curt VanderWall, R – Ludington. “It’s a step in the right direction to connect patients with quality care. And I’m happy to say that now mental health professionals will be eligible for this program. Our hope is to attract talent from our state and other states and pair them with communities of need to combat the shortage of critical health care around our state. I want to thank the Governor for her support of this legislation and look forward to working with her on this issue.”
Senate Bill 246 was sponsored by VanderWall. Senate Bill 435 was sponsored by Sen. Michael MacDonald, R – Sterling Heights
—Combatting the Opioid Epidemic
Together, House Bills 5262, 5263, and 5264 increase access to nonopioid directive forms, a form that directs health professionals and emergency medical services personnel to not
administer opioids to them, by requiring insurance providers to provide a nonopioid directive form to their enrollees upon enrollment, make a form accessible on the websites of insurance providers and hospitals.
House Bill 5262 was sponsored by Rep. Abdullah Hammoud, D - Dearborn, House Bill 5263 was sponsored by Rep. Mary Whiteford, R – Casco Twp., and House Bill 5264 was sponsored by Rep. Pamela Hornberger, R – Chesterfield Twp.
“As a nurse and mom, I’ve realized the importance of people being involved in their medical decisions, especially in regard to pain management,” said Whiteford. “These bills are a great step towards ensuring that opioids are not the only option for pain control for our loved ones.”
House Bill 5261 would allow an exception for certain health professionals to administer an opioid to an individual who had executed a nonopioid directive form if the opioid were for intraoperative use.
House Bill 5261 was sponsored by Rep. Abdullah Hammoud, D - Dearborn.
—Mandatory Reporting
House Bill 4880 adds physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, and athletic trainers to the list of individuals required to report suspected child abuse or child neglect through the Child Protection Law.
House Bill 4880 was sponsored by Rep. Roger Hauck, R – Union Twp.
—School Safety
House Bill 5701 simplifies the process for school administration to install a temporary locking device or system such as those used keep an active shooter out of a classroom. This bill specifies that school administration will no longer need to construction documents that were sealed and signed by a licensed architect or licensed professional engineer to seek approval for this type of device or system.
House Bill 5701 was sponsored by Rep. Scott VanSingel, R – Grant.
—Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
House Bill 4821 expands the duties of the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Commission to include the maintenance of the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.
House Bill 4821 was sponsored by Rep. Tim Beson, R – Bay City.
—Petitions
House Bill 5252 would require the Department of State to post on their website a summary of initiative or referendum petitions and update the status of the petitions online every 30 days.
House Bill 5252 was sponsored by Rep. Bradley Slagh, R – Zeeland.
—Driver’s Licenses
House Bill 4451 allows the Secretary of State to authorize representatives to examine applicants for driver’s licenses.
“The signing of my bill into law will help make Department of State services more convenient for Michiganders,” said Rep. Gary Howell, R – North Branch. “I appreciate working on these types of bipartisan improvements.”
House Bill 4451 was sponsored by Howell.
—Revised Judicature Act
Senate Bill 244 would amend the Revised Judicature Act to modify procedures for providing proof of service of process.
“I’m very pleased, after seven years of working on this endeavor to fix a huge hole in our legal system that has negatively impacted thousands of citizens in Michigan, costing them millions of dollars and irreputable harm to their constitutional rights,” said Sen. Jim Runestad, R - White Lake. “This bill is long overdue and I appreciate the work of the committee chairs and the Governor for signing this vital protection for the integrity of our judicial system.”
Senate Bill 244 was sponsored by Runestad.
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