Michigan Senate Bill SB0475

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/1/25
• Refer: 7/1/25

Caption

Health occupations: health professionals; invasive bodily examinations; prohibit under certain circumstances. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding sec. 16280. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0476'25

Impact

This bill has significant implications for state health laws, primarily concerning patient rights and the ethical practices of health professionals. It aims to strengthen the safeguards around invasive procedures, ensuring that patients retain autonomy over their bodies even when unconscious. This requirement for informed consent is consistent with modern medical ethics and may influence training curricula for health profession students, highlighting the necessity of consent in medical practice.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 475 seeks to amend the 1978 Public Health Code by adding a new section that governs the performance of invasive bodily examinations on anesthetized or unconscious patients. The bill stipulates that no licensed health professional or trainee may perform such an examination without satisfying specific conditions that prioritize patient consent. These conditions include obtaining written, informed consent from the patient or their authorized representative, or performing the examination in emergency situations where the patient is incapable of giving consent.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB 475 include potential concerns from medical professionals about the implications of stricter consent requirements on their ability to perform necessary medical interventions expediently in emergencies. Opponents may argue that overly stringent consent laws could delay critical care and complicate training for future health professionals who may encounter emergency situations requiring immediate action.

Additional_notes

Moreover, the bill includes provisions that require authorization from the patient or their representative when a student is involved in performing the examination, which raises further discussion on educational practices within health professions. This legislative change aims to create a balance between patient protection and the practicalities of medical training and emergency health care.