The bill amends the Public Health Code of Michigan, specifically sections 16221 and 16226, to strengthen the investigation and disciplinary processes for health professionals. It requires the Department of Health to investigate allegations of misconduct by licensees, registrants, or applicants for licensure, and outlines specific grounds for disciplinary action, including negligence, incompetence, substance use disorder, and various prohibited acts such as fraud. New provisions clarify the types of violations that can lead to disciplinary action, including those related to the "protecting minors from chemical and surgical mutilation act." Additionally, the bill deletes a previous provision regarding violations effective from January 1, 2021, replacing it with a broader framework for assessing violations and determining appropriate sanctions.

The bill also introduces significant changes to the disciplinary procedures, allowing disciplinary subcommittees to impose fines up to $250,000 for specific violations, with a minimum fine of $25,000 for violations resulting in patient death. It mandates that violators complete educational or training programs as part of their sanctions and requires permanent revocation of licenses for certain violations committed in a professional capacity, contingent upon evidence of a pattern of intentional fraud or deceit harming patients. The bill sets a fine of up to $250 for each violation of a particular section and stipulates that its enactment is contingent upon the passage of Senate Bill No. 289.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 333.16221, 333.16226