Michigan House Bill HB4112

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/23
• Refer: 2/15/23

Caption

Health occupations: health professionals; attending health care professional; define. Creates new act.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would modify the operational landscape for chiropractors within Michigan, potentially affecting their recognition in various legal and insurance contexts. The exclusion from the definition of attending health care professionals may result in changes to how services provided by chiropractors are perceived legally, limiting their ability to participate in certain health care frameworks. This shift could lead to discrepancies in treatment options and insurance coverage for patients seeking chiropractic care, as their services might not be acknowledged within the same parameter as other health professions.

Summary

House Bill 4112 aims to redefine the term 'attending health care professional' by explicitly excluding chiropractors from this category as it is used in section 28 of article I of the Michigan state constitution of 1963. The bill proposes that chiropractors, as defined by the state's public health code, are not included in the scope of health care professionals recognized under this constitutional provision. This legislative move is framed within the context of health occupation regulations and seeks to clarify the roles and responsibilities of various medical and health professionals within the state.

Contention

The bill's implications have raised discussions among health care professionals, particularly regarding the perceived value and role of chiropractic care in the health care system. Advocates for chiropractic services may argue that this legislation undermines their profession and restricts the access of patients to alternative health care options. Conversely, proponents of the bill may believe that this measure is necessary for maintaining clarity in health care definitions, ensuring that structural integrity in health professions is upheld, and reducing ambiguity in legal interpretations surrounding health care practices.