Legislative Update: Legislature Wraps, MAFP Prevails Halting Scope of Practice Expansion

The last two weeks have remained busy in the Michigan Legislature, with full calendars and movement on many priority pieces of legislation. All indicators continue to point toward Thursday, Nov. 9 being the last voting session day for the 2023 legislative year. The expected adjournment date for sine die is Tuesday, Nov. 14. This will begin the 90-day countdown for effective dates on legislation that was not granted immediate effect.

Representatives Stone and Coleman Elected Mayors

Following Tuesday's election, the Legislature is expected to undergo more changes. Representatives Lori Stone (D-Warren) and Kevin Coleman (D-Westland) won elections to become mayor of their respective cities. Both will be sworn into the new position on Monday, Nov. 13 . This change will leave the House of Representatives split at 54-54. Under House Rules, Democrats will retain control of the chamber but will be one vote shy, without Republican support, of the needed 55 votes to pass legislation. Both seats are in solid Democrat districts and should have no impact on the house makeup following a special election. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will call for a special election in these two communities in early spring, but the timeline remains unknown.

Scope of Practice Expansion Stopped

As this year closes with legislative activity and we look toward 2024, MAFP successfully stopped attempts at expanding the scope of practice by non-physician providers. The state budget will remain a top priority item in early 2024, but negotiations and passing budgets will most likely be delayed while the House is down two members.