Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a package of bipartisan bills aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare, supporting providers, strengthening patient safety, and improving Michigan's response to public health challenges, including the opioid crisis.
The legislation builds on Michigan's efforts that have seen a 47 percent decline in opioid deaths since 2021 over four consecutive years. Senate Bill 616, sponsored by Senator Sylvia Santana, prevents local governments from suing pharmaceutical companies over opioid claims already settled by the state. Attorney General Dana Nessel said, "Throughout my time in office, we have secured nearly $2 billion to help our state combat the opioid epidemic." Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive, added, "Michigan's 47% reduction in overdose deaths since 2021 shows what is possible when we invest in evidence-based public health strategies." Senate Bill 716, sponsored by Senator Paul Wojno, shortens the Michigan Board of Pharmacy's review period for federal controlled substance changes from 91 to 60 days.
Other bills signed include House Bill 4779, sponsored by Representative Pauline Wendzel, which mandates the use of surgical smoke capture equipment in health facilities to protect staff and patients. Senate Bill 205, sponsored by Senator Kevin Daley, allows private physician offices and urgent care centers to offer information on organ, bone marrow, and tissue donation. House Bill 5249, sponsored by Representative Dave Prestin, creates an adaptive care license for rural ambulance services, enabling them to provide higher-level emergency care. House Bills 4207 and 4208, sponsored by Representatives Mike Harris and Brenda Carter, clarify that certain "excepted benefits" are not considered health insurance plans under Michigan law, aligning with federal standards.
Governor Whitmer said, "In Michigan, we’ve worked hard to expand access to quality, affordable health care and respond to the nationwide opioid crisis. These bipartisan bills build on that work by protecting patients and health care workers from surgical smoke, encouraging organ donation, and improving our response to federal scheduling of controlled substances." She also noted signing her eighth balanced, bipartisan budget, which protects Michiganders’ access to Medicaid.
These legislative actions continue Michigan's comprehensive approach to public health and the opioid crisis, aiming to further reduce overdose deaths and enhance healthcare services across the state.