Michigan Legislature Considers Several Bills Impacting Long-Term Care

The Michigan Legislature is now several months into the 2025-2026 legislative term. The Democrat-led Senate and Republican-led House each are moving through the legislative process their policy priorities. HCAM continues to monitor legislation that impacts our skilled nursing and assisted living members.

Consumer Protection Reform

This week the Senate passed Senate Bill 134, which would overly broaden the applicability of the consumer protection act and implement enhances fines. The bill would likely apply to innocuous interactions with residents. HCAM has joined a coalition to oppose the bill and is advocating against its passage with Michigan House members.

Patient Representation Reform

◼️The House has begun moving two bills that would establish surrogacy rules in the state for patients who do not have a designated representative and are no longer able to make decisions for themselves. House Bills 4418 and 4419 were reported from committee this week. HCAM is reviewing the bills and will engage as necessary.

◼️The Attorney General Elder Abuse Task Force is working with legislators on bills that would increase requirements for professional guardianships, exacerbating the shortage of guardians already experienced in the state. Additionally, a package of bills updating requirements for the appointment of guardians and conservators – HB 4632, 4633, 4634, and 4635 – was recently introduced. HCAM understands the importance of an efficient guardianship/conservator appointment process and will track and engage accordingly.

Medical Service Agreements

The Senate recently passed SB 266, which would allow an individual to make a personal services agreement to pay for support services without those payments counting against him/her as a disposal of assets when applying for Medicaid. This change would make it easier for incoming nursing facility residents to qualify for Medicaid. HCAM supports the bill and is advocating for its passage.

Cameras in Resident Rooms

Introduced this week, Senate Bill 412 would require nursing facilities to allow for residents to place electronic monitoring devices in their rooms. The bill requires the consent of roommates and notification to the facility. As introduced, the bill includes provisions that help protect the privacy of residents and staff. HCAM will monitor its progress and engage as necessary.

Licensure Compact Bills

The House is moving several HCAM-supported bill packages that would include Michigan in health care professional licensing compacts in an effort to make it easier for therapists and nurses to work in the state. Licensure compacts allow applicable health care professionals to practice in states that are parties to the compact without having to obtain a license in each individual state.

• House Bills 4101 and 4380 – Enacts the physical therapy licensure compact.
• House Bills 4103 and 4104 – Enacts the occupational therapy licensure compact.
• House Bill 4246 – Enacts the nurse licensure compact.

Worker’s Compensation

The Senate introduced bills that would make sweeping expansions to the state’s worker’s compensation statute, including increasing the maximum payment and retroactively applying the new rate. Senate Bill 74 and 75 are reintroductions from last term. HCAM will advocate against their passage due to the increased costs it will impose on operations.

Criminal Sexual Conduct Statute of Limitations

The Senate recently passed a four-bill package that would extend the statute of limitations for civil claims in actions involving criminal sexual conduct. Senate Bills 257, 258, 259, 260 and 261 are before the House, with a broad coalition of stakeholders opposing the bills. HCAM is monitoring and will engage accordingly.

Appropriations Process

The Legislature continues to move various versions of the state fiscal year 2026 budget. It is likely this will be negotiated between the House, Senate and Governor over the next three months, with passage occurring in September. The versions of the budget that have been introduced and passed so far include a fully funded long-term care services line and the continuation of the wage pass through program. HCAM will provide updates as the budget cycle progresses.

Staffing Agency Licensure and Managed Care Legislation

HCAM met with state legislators regarding the introduction of two pieces of legislation: (1) Forming a licensing structure for staffing agencies and (2) Codifying protections for providers under the expanding duals-eligible special needs program – MI Coordinated Health. HCAM’s goal is to get the legislation passed this term.

As always, the bill tracking document and pertinent issue briefs are on the HCAM website under the Advocacy tab. Questions? Email Rich Farran.