LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Michele Hoitenga on Thursday introduced legislation to protect the freedom of health care providers to prescribe best treatments based on their expertise in consultation with their patients.
“Protecting medical freedom in the state of Michigan has taken on a particular importance since the COVID-19 pandemic, when various political entities banned prescribers from administering certain treatments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also increasingly encroached on the freedom of health care providers to allow off-label uses for various therapies and medical devices,” said Hoitenga, R-Manton.
Hoitenga’s legislation is part of a package of bills introduced under the banner of transparency and prescriber freedom. She said her legislation, Senate Bill 623, would provide protections for health care providers against civil liabilities for prescribing treatments for off-label use except in cases where their conduct amounts to gross negligence.
“This is important to ensure that a wide variety of tools are at the disposal of medical professionals when attempting to combat ailments such as COVID-19 and whatever comes next,” she said.
Another bill in the package, SB 624, would create a system for collecting vaccine injury data that would be unique to Michigan.
“Data is important. A system to gather accurate and detailed information on adverse reactions and injuries resulting from vaccinations administered within the state will help to ensure that we have critical data for monitoring vaccine safety and help to support responsible public health decision-making in Michigan,” Hoitenga said.
SBs 620-624 were referred to the Senate Committee on Government Operations.
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