Nurse Practitioners Scope Bill Introduced in Michigan Legislature

MAFP Advocating for Preservation of Physician-led Team-based Care

The Michigan Academy of Family Physicians advocacy team has been anticipating the introduction of scope bills in the Michigan Legislature, as happens every legislative session. On April 19, Senate Bill 279 was introduced to call for establishing scope of practice and autonomous practice authority for nurse practitioners.

The safety and health of patients is MAFP’s primary concern with non-physician providers seeking scope of practice and the authority to deliver care without physician supervision. Nurse practitioners and other non-physician providers are valuable members of care teams. However, since their education and training are not as extensive or rigorous as that of physicians, preserving physician-led team-based care is best for patients and among MAFP’s legislative priorities.

MAFP discussed patient safety concerns with the sponsor of SB 279, Sen. Jeff Irwin, prior to its introduction. When members met with state legislators and legislative staff during Michigan Family Medicine Advocacy Day on March 22, they echoed these concerns and highlighted the importance of continuity of care that can only come from person-centered, physician-led team-based care.

Should SB 279 be brought forward for committee hearings, MAFP will continue to educate lawmakers on the benefits of physician-led team-based care, the best care for patients.