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SB 244

Health occupations: physicians; reporting to secretary of state patients with conditions that that cause or contributes to a seizure; require under certain circumstances. Amends sec. 5139 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.5139).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Hertel

Requires Michigan physicians to report patients with seizure-causing conditions to the Secretary of State under unspecified circumstances, raising privacy and discrimination concerns.

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Bill Summary · SB 244

Legislative bill overview

SB 244 would require physicians in Michigan to report to the Secretary of State patients who have medical conditions that cause or contribute to seizures, under certain circumstances. The bill amends the Public Health Code to establish this mandatory reporting requirement for healthcare providers.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects patient privacy, physician-patient relationships, and driving safety regulations. The reporting requirement could influence medical licensing, patient autonomy in healthcare decisions, and potentially driver's license eligibility or restrictions based on neurological conditions.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient privacy concerns: Mandatory reporting of medical conditions to state authorities without clear consent or patient notification raises HIPAA and privacy advocates' objections
  • Scope ambiguity: The phrase "under certain circumstances" is undefined in the bill summary, creating uncertainty about when reporting is mandatory versus discretionary
  • Physician burden and liability: Doctors may face legal exposure if they misinterpret reporting requirements or if reported patients dispute the medical necessity of disclosure
  • Discrimination risk: Seizure disorder patients could face license suspension or employment consequences based on automatic state reporting rather than individualized medical assessment

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

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