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HB 4213

Mental health: code; definition of distant site for a telemedicine visit; provide for. Amends sec. 105h of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.105h).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Arbit and 23 co-sponsors

Michigan expands telemedicine definition for mental health services to allow remote psychiatric care at more patient locations, improving rural and underserved community access.

assigned PA 54'24
#mentalhealth:code
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Bill Summary · HB 4213

Legislative bill overview

HB 4213 amends Michigan's mental health code to expand the definition of "distant site" for telemedicine visits, allowing mental health services to be delivered remotely to more locations. The bill broadens where patients can receive virtual mental health care beyond previous restrictions, facilitating greater access to psychiatric and psychological services through technology.

Why is this important

Mental health provider shortages are acute in rural and underserved Michigan communities, making telemedicine expansion critical for access. By widening where patients can receive care remotely, the bill addresses geographic barriers to treatment and may reduce wait times for psychiatric consultations and ongoing therapy.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory scope concerns: Expanding "distant site" definitions may create ambiguity about which facilities qualify, potentially leading to inconsistent implementation across providers and licensing boards
  • Quality and safety questions: Remote mental health delivery lacks in-person assessment capabilities; some clinicians argue expanded telemedicine access could compromise crisis intervention and risk evaluation, particularly for acute psychiatric conditions
  • Insurance and reimbursement: Unclear whether expanded telemedicine sites will receive equal insurance reimbursement, potentially creating incentive gaps that favor in-person care or disadvantage rural providers

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

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