Michigan House Bill HB4117

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, HB 4117 would have significant consequences for the status and regulatory oversight of athletic trainers in Michigan. By excluding athletic trainers from the definition of attending health care professionals, the bill may influence their ability to operate within certain health care frameworks and could affect the standards to which they are held in clinical settings. This distinction may also alter the scope of their practice and the legal protections available to them under state law.

Summary

House Bill 4117 proposes an amendment to the definition of 'attending health care professional' within the context of the Michigan state constitution. Specifically, it seeks to exclude athletic trainers from being classified as attending health care professionals according to the definitions set forth in section 28 of article I of the state constitution of 1963. This bill arises in the context of broader discussions surrounding the roles and recognitions of various health care professionals.

Contention

The legislation has sparked discussions regarding who qualifies as a health care professional and the implications of such definitions on healthcare delivery. Supporters of the bill may view it as a necessary clarification that better aligns the legal framework with the distinct roles of various health disciplines, while opponents may contend that it marginalizes athletic trainers and undermines their contributions to health care, particularly in athletic and rehabilitative contexts. The debate also reflects broader tensions in the health care community about the recognition and integration of diverse health care roles.