Share Your Opposition Today: House Committee to Vote on NP Independent Practice

Since its introduction this spring, MAFP has voiced strong opposition to House Bill 4399, which would allow nurse practitioners to practice medicine without physician supervision. We have confirmed that the House Health Policy Committee plans to vote on the bill on Wednesday, October 29.

We know it’s dangerous legislation that could have severe consequences for patient outcomes and access to quality care. In other states, these measures consistently fail to improve access to care, fail to enhance quality of care, and fail to reduce costs. In short, they fail across the board, and patients are the ones who suffer.  

We need your help to ensure that does not happen here in Michigan. 

What Can I Do?

Contact all 17 House Health Policy Committee members immediately and (using the template below) demand they oppose House Bill 4399. Click here for committee contact information. 

Email Template

Subject: Please Vote NO on HB 4399 to Protect Patient Safety

Representative X,
As the House Health Policy Committee continues its work this fall, I’m reaching out as a concerned citizen to urge you to vote NO on House Bill 4399. This bill would have serious consequences for the health and safety of patients across Michigan. HB 4399 would allow nurse practitioners to practice independently, removing them from the physician-led care teams that help keep patients safe. Right now, those teams work because they combine the strengths of many healthcare professionals under the guidance of a physician who has completed years of extensive education and hands-on clinical training. That depth of experience matters — especially when it comes to diagnosing complex conditions or prescribing medications.

Nurse practitioners play an important role in our healthcare system, but their training requirements are not the same as a physician’s. Some programs even allow degrees to be completed entirely online, with limited in-person experience. That difference in training and oversight has real implications for patient safety.

I’ve also heard about a possible amendment that would add 1,000 hours — or about six months — of additional training for nurse practitioners. While that may sound helpful, six months of experience simply isn’t enough to prepare someone to practice medicine on their own.

This isn’t about limiting opportunity — it’s about keeping patients safe and making sure that every Michigander can trust the care they receive. Please stand with patients and vote NO on HB 4399.

I would be happy to discuss this further or share my perspective in more detail. You can reach me at [PHONE] or [EMAIL].