Rushed and Reckless Medical Liability Bill Reported from Committee

On December 4, 2024, the House Committee on Judiciary reported House Bill 6085, legislation that would dismantle medial liability provisions that have helped to stabilize Michigan’s liability environment for the past 30 years, to the full House of Representatives for consideration. Although disappointing, the Committee’s action was not unexpected. As a House leadership priority for democrats, it’s not unusual that this legislation would receive support along partisan lines. This scenario played out today with seven of the eight democratic members voting yes, one member voting to abstain, and all republican members present voting no.

Because of limited time, only a few individuals were permitted to testify and they were asked to keep remarks to three minutes. Tom George, MD, CEO of the Michigan State Medical Society, and Daniel Schulte, MSMS Legal Counsel, testified in opposition. Doctor George expressed frustration that House Bill 6085 was being rushed forward without a full understanding of its impact, an explanation as to why these changes are even necessary, or involvement of the physician community in any negotiations. In addition to verbal testimony, MSMS also submitted written testimony, as well as coordinating and signing on to a joint letter by a Coalition of over 30 organizations opposed to this legislation.

Now, it’s critical that House Bill 6085 be defeated or tabled by the full House. MSMS and our partners in opposition have been preparing for this fight with calls to action underway and outreach to House and Senate members.  We need all physicians and health team members to contact YOUR legislators immediately and let them know that preserving Michigan’s well-established liability laws is essential to ensuring that our state remains a place where physicians want to practice and where patients can access safe, affordable care.