PUBLIC HEALTH CODE: VIOLATIONS/PENALTIES

House Bill 5894

Sponsor: Rep. William Callahan

Committee: Health Policy

Complete to 4-18-02

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5894 AS INTRODUCED 4-16-02

House Bill 5894 would amend Article 15 of the Public Health Code, which regulates health care professionals, to list as violations of the code punishable by a denial of a current or renewal license or registration the following:

·  defaulting on or otherwise failing to pay an educational loan that was guaranteed by the state or federal government; and

·  failure to fulfill a "service obligation" incurred under the part of the code known as the Michigan Essential Health Provider Recruitment Strategy Act. (Under that act, the Department of Community Health assists eligible health care professionals in the repayment of educational debt and related expenses and makes educational grants available to eligible minority students, in exchange for service in a health resource shortage area.)

Article 15 of the code authorizes the Department of Consumer and Industry Services (DCIS) to investigate activities related to the practice of a health profession by a licensee, a registrant, or an applicant for licensure or regulation. After its investigation, the DCIS must report its findings to the appropriate disciplinary subcommittee, which is directed to administer specific penalties for specific violations of the article.

MCL 333.16221 and 333.16226

Analyst: J. Caver

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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.