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HB 5774

Health: children; referral of certain children to the early on program; require. Amends 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.1101 - 333.25211) by adding pt. 58B.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cam Cavitt and 4 co-sponsors

Health professionals must refer infants identified with FASD to Early On Michigan for early intervention services.

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Bill Summary · HB 5774

Purpose and intent

  • House Bill 5774, introduced in the 2025-2026 Michigan Legislature, would create a new Part 58B within the Public Health Code to address fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
  • The core aim is to ensure that health professionals identify FASD and refer families to appropriate early intervention resources, specifically the Early On Michigan program, to support infants and young children with developmental delays or disabilities related to prenatal alcohol exposure.

Key provisions

  • Definitions
    • FASD: A broad term for effects from prenatal alcohol exposure, including fetal alcohol syndrome, partial fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, static encephalopathy – alcohol exposed, neurobehavioral disorders associated with prenatal alcohol exposure, and alcohol-related birth defects.
    • Early On Michigan: The state’s early intervention program administered by the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (formerly part of other state entities; the bill references its programmatic role).
  • Referral requirement (Part 58B)
    • A health professional who is in charge of an infant’s care and identifies the infant as having FASD must refer the infant’s parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis to Early On Michigan.
  • Rulemaking authority
    • The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in consultation with the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, may promulgate rules to implement Part 58B.
  • Related provision (House Bill 5773, companion measure)
    • While not the focus of HB 5774, HB 5773 would require licensed or registered health professionals to refer patients to a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnostic center identified by DHHS as a center of excellence, under scenarios where a minor is treated for a prenatal alcohol exposure–related condition or when pregnancy alcohol consumption is known or reasonably suspected.

Who and what would be affected

  • Affected individuals:
    • Infants and young children identified as having or suspected of having FASD.
    • Parents, guardians, or caregivers of these infants or children.
  • Affected professionals:
    • Health professionals responsible for the care of infants (under Part 58B).
    • Potentially a broader set of licensed or registered health professionals under the companion HB 5773 (diagnostic center referrals).
  • Programs and agencies:
    • Early On Michigan (state early intervention program) would receive referrals.
    • DHHS and the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential would implement and regulate the referral and any related rulemaking.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Enactment and implementation:
    • The bill would authorize DHHS, in consultation with the relevant department, to promulgate rules to implement the new referral requirements.
  • Fiscal impact:
    • HB 5774: Not expected to have a significant fiscal impact on state or local governments; any costs would primarily relate to rulemaking processes and administrative implementation.
    • The fiscal analysis notes that costs are contingent on whether rulemaking occurs and the scope of implementation.
  • Status:
    • Introduced in March 2026 by Rep. Stephanie Young; referred to the Health Policy committee.
    • Companion bill HB 5773 similarly addresses referral to diagnostic centers and is part of the same legislative package.

Summary of potential impact

  • Improved early identification and intervention for children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure.
  • Structured referral pathway from clinical care to Early On Michigan services, potentially reducing developmental delays through timely support.
  • Establishment of formal rulemaking to standardize referrals and ensure compliance across health providers.
  • Potential need for training and resource allocation within DHHS and Early On Michigan to handle referrals and coordinate care.

Notes: This summary reflects the introduced text and the related companion bill. If enacted, specific implementation details, timelines, and any funding or staffing implications would be clarified in the implementing rules issued by DHHS and the partner department.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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