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HB 4277

Health: licensing; questions pertaining to mental health; remove from application for licensure and registration. Amends sec. 16177 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16177).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 7 co-sponsors

Michigan bill removes mental health questions from professional licensing applications to reduce stigma and expand workforce access, but may limit safety screening for safety-critical professions.

referred to second reading
#health:licensing #health:occupations #stateagencies(existing):licensingandregulatoryaffairs
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Bill Summary · HB 4277

Legislative bill overview

HB 4277 would remove mental health-related questions from professional licensing and registration applications in Michigan. The bill amends the state's occupational licensing law to prohibit licensing boards from inquiring about applicants' mental health history, diagnoses, or treatment during the application process.

Why is this important

Mental health stigma can deter qualified professionals from entering or re-entering licensed professions, potentially reducing the workforce in healthcare, law, engineering, and other fields. This change could increase access to professions by removing barriers for individuals with mental health histories who are otherwise competent and fit to practice. However, it raises questions about public safety and whether certain mental health conditions should remain relevant for specific high-responsibility roles.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety vs. privacy: Whether removing all mental health inquiries compromises the ability to screen for conditions that might impair judgment in safety-sensitive professions (surgeons, pilots, law enforcement)
  • Selective application: Unclear if the ban applies uniformly to all licensed professions or if exceptions exist for roles with direct public safety implications
  • Alternative screening methods: Whether removing direct questions simply shifts screening to background investigations or other discovery mechanisms, potentially creating inconsistent or less transparent evaluation processes

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

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