Health occupations: health professionals; provision of information regarding Down syndrome to certain patients; require. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 16279.
Impact
The impact of HB 4663 on state laws involves the establishment of standardized requirements for healthcare providers regarding the dissemination of information related to Down syndrome. This includes stipulations that the information provided must be comprehensive, medically reviewed, and culturally appropriate, aiming to empower patients with knowledge about the condition and available resources. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with developing and updating this informational material, thereby enhancing the quality of care and information available to expectant parents.
Summary
House Bill 4663 aims to amend the Public Health Code (1978 PA 368) by adding a new section that mandates health care providers, specifically those who provide prenatal care, postnatal care, or genetic counseling, to deliver specific written information to individuals upon receiving test results indicating a high likelihood or presence of Down syndrome. This information is intended to ensure that parents are adequately informed about Down syndrome, its implications, and available support services at a critical moment during their healthcare journey.
Contention
While HB 4663 generally aims to improve the support and information framework for individuals facing a Down syndrome diagnosis, there may be points of contention regarding the nature of the information provided and the implications it may have on parental decisions. Critics might argue that mandating certain information can inadvertently influence the choices of parents during emotionally challenging periods. This raises ethical considerations about medical advice and parental autonomy, as well as the potential stigma associated with the condition. Furthermore, there may be concerns about how comprehensively the information addresses the lived experiences of individuals with Down syndrome.
Health occupations: health professionals; additional individual present during certain examinations of minors; require under certain circumstances and require consent. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding secs. 16279 & 16279a.
Health occupations: health professionals; invasive bodily examinations; prohibit under certain circumstances. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 16279. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0045'23
Health: occupations; annual report on reciprocity for certain health occupations under the public health code; require the department to submit. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 16186b.