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03/28/2022

MAC-Developed, Pro-Chiropractic Bills Become Law!

Governor Whitmer Signs HBs 5295 and 5296, Paving the Way for True Multidisciplinary Practices in Michigan

On March 15, 2022, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law House Bills 5295 and 5296, MAC-developed legislation that will pave the way for true integrated practices in our state. The bills overwhelmingly passed the Michigan Senate (36-0) and Michigan House of Representatives (99-4) with immediate effect earlier this legislative term.

Special thanks go out to our bill sponsors, state Rep. Roger Hauck (R-Union Township) and state Rep. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), who expertly shepherded the bills through the legislative process. Their hard work and dedication to these bills were a major factor in their passage, and they deserve our thanks and praise. It is critical that we do all we can to ensure that lawmakers who understand the benefits of chiropractic care return to Lansing.   

Public Act 31 of 2022 (House Bill 5295) and Public Act 32 of 2022 (House Bill 5296) amend the Michigan Limited Liability Company Act and the Business Corporation Act, respectively, to:

  • Allow one or more individuals licensed to engage in the practice of chiropractic to organize a professional limited liability company (PLLC) or a professional corporation (PC) with one or more other individuals licensed in the practice of chiropractic, the practice of medicine, the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery, or the practice of podiatric medicine and surgery
  • Allow one or more individuals licensed to engage in the practice of chiropractic to organize a PLLC or a PC with one or more licensed physician's assistants (provided a physician licensed to engage in the practice of medicine or osteopathic medicine and surgery also was a member)

Prior to the enactment of these bills, Michigan law required all members and managers of a PC or PLLC that renders a professional service included in the Public Health Code to be licensed or legally authorized in Michigan to render the same professional service. MDs, DOs, and podiatrists were also allowed to organize a PLLC or PC with one or more physician’s assistants licensed under the Public Health Code. Because chiropractic physicians do not prescribe pharmaceuticals or perform surgery, they have been deemed as not providing the same services as an MD or DO.

The new laws extend these provisions to one or more individuals engaged in the practice of chiropractic. This change takes into account the changing nature of primary care, is in the best interest of patients across Michigan, and will decrease costs to the healthcare system.

Practices that integrate the knowledge and skills of varying professionals can offer to patients both convenience and cost savings. Specifically, the conservative care first knowledge and skills that a DC brings to a medical practice can benefit patients in many ways, including:

  • Conservative pain management without the use of pharmaceuticals, especially opioids. Opioid addiction continues to remain a major societal problem, as overdose deaths in Michigan increased more than 16 percent between 2019 and 2020, to an all-time high of approximately 2,770.
  • A comprehensive care team approach with a high degree of collaboration and communication between health care professionals, where physicians work together to provide care for the complex health issues facing many of today’s patients, can improve patient outcomes.

It is important to note that these bills do not change scope of practice laws (which are in Michigan’s Public Health Code, not the Professional Corporations Act). They simply allow those licensed physicians who wish to offer their patients a more complete set of knowledge and skills to improve the care their patients receive.

Thank you to all of you who took the time to contact your state senator or state representative regarding these important bills. The enactment of this legislation shows what the profession can do when we all work together to achieve the same goal. Thank you!

SannaWant to Know More About Multidisciplinary/Integrated Practices?

Dr. Mark Sanna at the MAC Spring Convention at the Grand Traverse Resort

Dr. Sanna’s presentation, “Multidisciplinary Practice the Right Way: The Dos and Don’ts of Integrative Practice,” will be on Saturday, April 30th, from 4-6p.

The changes to Michigan law brought about by Public Acts 31 and 32 of 2022 mean that the state of Michigan will see increased collaboration of licensees from various professions practicing together. Most notably, licensees in the professions of medicine and chiropractic across the nation have begun to merge for the expressed purpose of delivering comprehensive services to patients whose conditions warrant a joint approach. Collaborative arrangements between professionals have the potential for providing effective care in a convenient delivery system for patients.

In his upcoming presentation for the MAC, integrated practice guru Dr. Mark Sanna will look at the increased collaboration of healthcare professionals, the team approach to health care, the DC to MDP transition, and more. This presentation will provide you with the dos and don’ts of integrative practice so that, if you choose, you can do it the right way.

To register for the MAC Spring Convention, April 29-May 1, 2022, at the Grand Traverse Resort, click here. For an article by Dr. Sanna on the legal requirements of a multidisciplinary medical practice with chiropractic, click here.

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