CANADIAN NURSES:  ELIMINATE SUNSET

House Bill 4941

Sponsor:  Rep. Gail Haines

Committee:  Health Policy

Complete to 10-21-13

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4941 AS INTRODUCED 9-4-13

The bill would restore the authority of the Michigan Board of Nursing to grant temporary licenses to Canadian nurses to practice within the state while awaiting certification.  A provision in the Public Health Code that allowed the board to grant these temporary licenses expired January 1, 2012.  The bill would amend the Public Health Code to eliminate that sunset date, thus restoring the board's ability to grant the temporary licenses.

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4941 would have a nominal negative fiscal impact on the Bureau of Health Care Services (BHCS) within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Nominal because the number of Canadian nurses seeking temporary licensure while awaiting certification in Michigan is likely small. Negative because the $10 fee for temporary licensure is insufficient to cover the BHCS' costs to administer temporary licensure.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Paul Holland

■ 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.