Heated testimony on HB 4399: proponents cite access, opponents warn of safety and cost risks

The House Health Policy Committee heard hours of testimony both supporting and opposing House Bill 4399, which would remove Michigan’s physician collaborative/supervisory requirements and grant nurse practitioners independent practice authority.

Proponents argued the change would expand access to primary and behavioral health care, especially in underserved and rural areas. Anne Sheehan, assistant dean for faculty practice at Michigan State University College of Nursing, described a nurse‑run family medicine clinic that reduced new‑patient wait times from about 45 days to eight days and said securing physician contracts for nurse practitioners cost her clinic roughly $35,000 a year. She said those contracting costs and administrative burdens make it harder to expand access and lead some nurse practitioners to leave the state.

Lisa Rutledge of Western Wayne Family Health Centers, representing federally…