PHYSICIANS' ASSISTANTS - S.B. 1390 & 1391: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
Senate Bills 1390 and 1391 (as introduced 8-13-02)
Sponsor: Senator John J. H. Schwarz, M.D.
Committee: Transportation and Tourism
Date Completed: 9-12-02
CONTENT
Senate Bills 1390 and 1391 would amend the Pupil Transportation Act and the Michigan Vehicle Code, respectively, to add physicians' assistants to those who may certify that school bus drivers and persons with disabilities meet the physical requirements established under the Act and the Code.
Senate Bill 1390 would allow physicians' assistants to administer annual, required physical exams to school bus and pupil transportation drivers. Currently, only licensed physicians may examine the drivers to ensure that they meet the physical standards established by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Senate Bill 1391 would permit physicians' assistants to certify that a person is disabled for the purpose of obtaining a windshield placard or a free parking sticker. Under the Code, vehicles with windshield placards are entitled to park at spaces reserved for disabled people, and vehicles displaying free parking stickers are entitled to free parking in a metered space or in a publicly owned parking structure or area. Currently, only licensed physicians (or, in the case of blindness, licensed optometrists) may certify that a person is disabled for the purpose of obtaining a placard or sticker.
The Code permits the Secretary of State to accept from a disabled person an application for a windshield placard or free parking sticker signed by a physician licensed to practice in another state if the application is accompanied by a copy of that physician's current medical license issued by that state. The bill would additionally permit an application to be signed by an out-of-state, licensed physician's assistant, provided it was accompanied by a copy of the assistant's current medical license.
MCL 257.1853 (S.B. 1390) - - Legislative Analyst: Claire Layman
257.19a & 257.675 (S.B. 1391)
FISCAL IMPACT
The bills would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
- Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco
- Jessica RunnelsS0102\s1390sa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.