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SB 268

Health occupations: advanced practice registered nurses; scope of practice of registered professional nurses who hold specialty certifications as nurse practitioners; modify. Amends secs. 17201, 17210, 17211a & 17212 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17201 et seq.) & adds sec. 17210a.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 4 co-sponsors

Michigan bill expands nurse practitioner scope of practice, allowing certified RNs greater clinical autonomy and potentially reducing physician oversight requirements.

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#healthoccupations:advancedpracticeregisterednurses #healthoccupations:nurses #stateagencies(existing):licensingandregulatoryaffairs
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Bill Summary · SB 268

Legislative bill overview

SB 268 modifies Michigan's health occupations law to expand the scope of practice for registered professional nurses (RNs) who hold specialty certifications as nurse practitioners (NPs). The bill amends existing regulations governing advanced practice registered nurses and adds new provisions defining what certified nurse practitioners can do within their practice scope.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects healthcare delivery by potentially allowing NPs to perform more clinical functions independently or with reduced physician oversight, which could increase access to primary and specialty care in underserved areas. The changes impact patient care, healthcare costs, workforce utilization, and the competitive dynamics between nurses, physicians, and other healthcare providers in Michigan.

Potential points of contention

  • Physician oversight concerns: Medical associations may oppose reduced physician supervision requirements, arguing patient safety depends on doctor oversight of complex clinical decisions
  • Scope creep and patient safety: Debate over whether NPs have adequate training for expanded responsibilities compared to physicians, particularly for complex diagnoses or procedures
  • Economic competition: Physicians may view this as encroachment on their professional domain and patient referral base, while NPs and nursing organizations see it as efficient workforce utilization

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

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