Michigan House Bill HB4565

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/23
• Refer: 5/16/23

Caption

Insurance: no-fault; independent medical examinations; create an oversight board and provide for the appointment of independent examiners. Amends secs. 3151 & 3153 of 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.3151 & 500.3153) & adds sec. 3151a.

Impact

If passed, HB 4565 would significantly alter the landscape of insurance claims in Michigan by creating a formalized structure for medical examinations. This involves appointing physicians according to specific qualifications, which may enhance the reliability of assessments submitted as part of insurance claims. The introduction of the no-fault independent medical examination board represents a novel approach to managing conflicts and ensuring accountability in medical evaluations, potentially reducing the occurrence of disputes surrounding claim legitimacy.

Summary

House Bill 4565 aims to amend the insurance code of Michigan, specifically introducing changes to sections related to personal protection insurance and the processes surrounding medical examinations for claimants. The bill establishes an independent medical examination board tasked with overseeing the conduct of medical examinations. This oversight aims to ensure that examinations related to insurance claims are unbiased and conducted by qualified professionals, reflecting a concerted effort to refine the standards governing medical assessments in the context of insurance claims.

Contention

The bill may face scrutiny and debate over its implications for claimants seeking personal protection insurance benefits. Critics of the proposed changes may argue that while oversight is necessary to ensure fairness, the establishment of a board could lead to gatekeeping practices that may hinder claimants' access to necessary medical evaluations. Additionally, concerns could be raised regarding the qualifications of appointed members and the potential for bias if members are affiliated with the insurance industry. Thus, balancing the need for oversight with the rights of claimants remains a crucial discussion point among stakeholders.