The bill amends the Public Health Code of Michigan to enhance the definitions and responsibilities associated with death certification and reporting. Key updates include clarifying terms such as "physician," "local registrar," and "miscarriage," as well as introducing a web-based application system for death registration. It mandates that medical certifications be completed by designated individuals within specified timeframes and emphasizes the confidentiality of information regarding infectious agents in deceased individuals. Additionally, funeral directors are required to report deaths and gather necessary personal data from next of kin or qualified individuals. The bill also revises procedures for death investigations, ensuring that county medical examiners complete medical certifications within 48 hours when further investigation is needed.

Moreover, the bill addresses unprofessional conduct in the medical field, particularly concerning patient referrals and reimbursement practices. It clarifies that misrepresentation in obtaining third-party reimbursement is unprofessional conduct and requires physician referrals for designated health services to comply with federal regulations. The bill expands the definition of unprofessional conduct to include misconduct such as sexual conduct with patients and violations related to licensure and medical records access. It emphasizes the importance of ethical standards in healthcare practices and allows for future updates to align with federal regulations on referrals, ensuring ongoing protection for the public against inappropriate practices.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 333.2804
As Passed by the House: 333.2804