A bill to amend 1978 PA 368, entitled “Public health code,” by amending sections 17012 and 17031 (MCL 333.17012 and 333.17031), section 17031 as amended by 2018 PA 463, and by adding section 17012a.
HB 5612 seeks to amend the Public Health Code by revising sections 17001 and 17011 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. The primary objective is to update definitions and licensing requirements related to medical practice and the roles of various medical professionals. Key provisions include the definition of "academic institution" to encompass medical schools and certain hospitals that meet specific criteria, such as sponsoring postgraduate education residency programs and spending a minimum of $2,000,000 annually on medical education. The bill also introduces a new definition for "practice as a physician's assistant," clarifying it as the practice of medicine under a participating physician within a practice agreement. Additionally, the term "practice of genetic counseling" is expanded to include a range of services related to genetic risk assessment and counseling.
The legislation modifies existing statutes by replacing and inserting specific terms and conditions. For instance, it updates the requirements for hospitals to qualify as academic institutions and revises the conditions under which the board may grant medical licenses, particularly for applicants with sanctions from other states. The bill stipulates that the board must not impose additional requirements on graduates from foreign medical schools beyond those required for U.S. or Canadian graduates. It also outlines conditions under which individuals with non-permanent sanctions from other states may be licensed, provided they agree to complete a probationary period or treatment plan.
The bill includes a financial requirement for hospitals to spend at least $2,000,000 annually on medical education to qualify as academic institutions. This funding is intended to support the education of physicians, residents, interns, and medical students.
HB 5613 seeks to amend the Public Health Code by modifying sections 17012 and 17031 and adding section 17012a. The primary objective is to regulate the licensing of individuals engaging in postgraduate medical study and practice. It introduces a temporary license for individuals who have completed medical degrees outside the United States or Canada, provided they meet specific criteria, including authorization to practice medicine in another country, certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, and successful completion of certain steps of the United States Medical Licensing Examination. The temporary license is valid for two years and renewable once. Additionally, the bill allows for the issuance of a limited license to those who have held a temporary license for two years and have completed further examination and skill assessments. This limited license permits practice without supervision but restricts it to medically underserved areas designated by the board.
The bill also revises the conditions under which a full medical license can be granted to applicants with foreign medical degrees. It stipulates that such applicants must have practiced medicine for at least ten years, completed three years of postgraduate clinical training, passed an initial medical licensure examination, and practiced safely and competently under a clinical academic limited license or a limited license granted under the new section 17012a for at least two years. The legislation includes provisions for the assessment and evaluation of nonclinical skills by participating facilities, which are defined as federally qualified health centers, licensed hospitals, or other board-approved facilities.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Health Policy
