Michigan House Bill HB4472

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/23
• Refer: 4/25/23

Caption

Health occupations: health professionals; practice agreements for physician’s assistants; modify to include physician- or podiatrist-led patient care teams under certain circumstances and expand to include advanced practice registered nurses. Amends secs. 16221, 17001, 17047, 17049, 17201, 17211a, 17214, 17501, 17547, 17549, 18001, 18047, 18049, 20174 & 20201 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16221 et seq.) & adds secs. 17217 & 17217a.

Impact

The implications of HB4472 are significant as they seek to redefine the regulatory landscape for healthcare providers. By mandating the establishment of collaborative agreements between APRNs and physicians or podiatrists, the bill aims to ensure a more coordinated care delivery model. This could facilitate improved healthcare outcomes through better communication and shared decision-making. However, the implementation of these agreements may also impose additional administrative burdens on healthcare professionals, which might be met with resistance from those concerned about increased regulatory complexity.

Summary

House Bill 4472 proposes amendments to the Public Health Code in Michigan, specifically targeting the regulatory framework surrounding advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and their collaboration with physicians and podiatrists. The bill aims to modify the requirements for practice agreements, stipulating that APRNs must operate under the terms of a formal agreement that involves a physician or podiatrist as part of a patient care team. This shift intends to clarify the roles and responsibilities of APRNs within the healthcare system and enhance the collaborative approach to patient management.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB4472 revolves around the balance of regulatory oversight and professional autonomy for APRNs. Critics of the bill argue that requiring a practice agreement with a supervising physician or podiatrist may limit the ability of APRNs to operate independently and could hinder access to care, particularly in underserved areas. Supporters, on the other hand, advocate that such measures will enhance patient safety and ensure that all healthcare providers are held accountable within structured care teams, thereby protecting patient welfare.