Michigan House Bill HB4399

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/29/25
• Refer: 4/29/25

Caption

Health occupations: advanced practice registered nurses; scope of practice of registered professional nurses who hold specialty certifications as nurse practitioners; modify. Amends secs. 17201, 17210, 17211a & 17212 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17201 et seq.) & adds sec. 17210a.

Impact

This legislation has significant implications for the practice of nursing and healthcare delivery in Michigan. By enabling APRNs to prescribe controlled substances independently, the bill aims to alleviate some of the barriers to care, especially in underserved areas where physician availability may be limited. This could lead to improved access to healthcare services for patients, particularly in primary care settings. Additionally, the bill stipulates that APRNs can order and dispense complimentary starter doses, further solidifying their role in patient management and treatment initiation.

Summary

House Bill 4399 seeks to amend several sections of the Public Health Code in Michigan, specifically regarding advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and their scope of practice. The bill's primary focus is to clarify and expand the authority of APRNs, such as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, in terms of prescribing and dispensing medications. Notably, the bill allows APRNs with specialty certification to dispense complimentary starter doses of controlled substances without needing delegation from a physician, thus enhancing their autonomy in patient care.

Contention

While supporters argue that HB 4399 represents a necessary modernization of nursing practice laws to reflect current healthcare needs, there are concerns regarding patient safety and the adequacy of oversight. Critics may contend that loosening restrictions on APRNs could lead to inadequate supervision of prescription practices, particularly concerning controlled substances, potentially resulting in misuse or overprescription. The legislation aims to address these issues by ensuring that APRNs adhere to established standards and cooperate with other healthcare professionals in patient care.