Michigan 2019 Annual Report

2019 ANNUAL BOOK OF REPORTS
Hospice Exemptions:
Senate Bills 127 and 128 would amend the Public Health Code and exempt patients under the care of
a hospice from certain requirements related to a bona fide prescriber-patient relationship and MAPS
reporting. SB 128 is now law.
Michigan Essential Health Provider Repayment Program:
SB 343 increases the maximum amount of debt or expense that the Department of Health and Human
Services could pay on behalf of a designated health professional through a health provider repayment
program to $250,000 over ten or more years. The bill has passed the Senate and is awaiting action in
the House Health Policy committee.
Updates the Mental Health Code:
Senator Vanderwall, Chair of the Senate Health Policy and Human Services committee, and Rep. Ben
Fredrick, Vice Chair of the House Health Policy committee, are drafting legislation to update the
mental health code. The intent of the legislation will be to address access issues and update the MHC
by including PAs, NPs, and CNSs in the definition of “mental health professional,” among other updates.
Title Protection for “Nurse:”
Representative Julie Calley is drafting legislation to protect the title “nurse.”
LARA Update:
The Pharmacy Controlled Substance Administrative Rules were changed last year to require that
individuals with a controlled substance license complete a one-time training in opioids and other
controlled substances awareness that meets the standards under Rule 338.3135.
Now, those applying for a Controlled Substance license are required to certify that they have completed
the one-time training in opioids and controlled substances awareness as part of the application process.
Current controlled substance licensees will have to certify that they have met the training requirement
when they renew at their first full renewal cycle. Meaning if the licensee was part way through their
current license cycle when Rule 338.3135 went into effect (January 4, 2019) the licensee would have
another full licensure cycle to meet the requirement.
The rules also state that a prescriber or dispenser shall not delegate or order the prescribing, dispensing,
or administering of a controlled substance as authorized by this act to an advanced practice registered
nurse, registered professional nurse or licensed practical nurse unless the nurse complies with the rule.
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