Complete to 10-12-99

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4596 (SUBSTITUTE H-3) INTRODUCED 4-27-99

The bill would amend the Public Health Code to establish the Statewide Trauma Care Commission in the Department of Consumer and Industry Services (CIS). The commission's duties would include the assessment of trauma care in the state, obtaining information on trauma care systems in other states, gathering public opinion regarding the status of trauma care in Michigan, and filing a report on its findings.

Members of the commission would be appointed by the governor no later than January 1, 2000, and would serve two-year terms. At least three of the 15 seats on the commission would have to be filled by residents of rural counties. (A "rural county" is defined in the code as a county located outside of a metropolitan area.) Membership would have to include at least eight health professionals with expertise in trauma and emergency services, two representatives of hospitals, two representatives of health care purchasers or payers (e.g., insurers, self-insured employers, or Taft-Hartley health and welfare funds), two health care services consumers, and the chair of the Emergency Medical Services Coordinating Committee.

The bill would require the commission to hold public hearings throughout the state, including at least one in each of the state's eight health planning areas. By January 1, 2001, the commission would have to file a report with the governor, director of CIS, and the Emergency Medical Services Coordinating Committee. The report would be available to the public at no charge. All meetings of the commission would be subject to the Open Meetings Act (MCL 15.261 to 15.275), and writings prepared, owned, used, retained by, or in the possession of the committee would be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 to 15.246). The legislature would establish per diem compensation for commission members, and the department would have to provide office space and administrative support.

MCL 333.20917

Analyst: S. Stutzky

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.