Nurse Anesthetists See Expanded Scope of Practice

The Senate Thursday passed legislation to expand the scope of practice for nurse anesthetists.

SB 1019, sponsored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Kowall (R-White Lake), passed by a 22-15 vote. Opposing included Senators Steve Bieda (D-Warren), Jack Brandenburg (R-Harrison Township), Patrick Colbeck (R-Canton Township), Vincent Gregory (D-Southfield), Goeff Hansen (R-Hart), Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-Taylor), Ken Horn (R-Frankenmuth), Joe Hune (R-Whitmore Lake), Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), Margaret O’Brien (R-Portage), Dave Robertson (R-Grand Blanc), and Tory Rocca (R-Sterling Heights).

Senator Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) addressed criticism stating this allows nurse anesthetists the ability to practice to the full extent of their qualifications, and allows hospitals more freedom and application of technology moving forward. Senator Kowall added 40 states and the U.S. military currently follow the procedures laid out in this bill and brings Michigan in line with current status.

Andrea Teitel, president of the Michigan Association of Nurse Anesthetists, thanked the Senate for passing the legislation, and added the bill will continue to improve access to care in medically underserved areas.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, September 9, 2016 9:55 AM
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Medical Marihuana Bills Clear Senate

The Senate passed a package of bills Thursday setting new regulations on medical marihuana growers, transporters and dispensaries, and allowing edible forms of medical marihuana.

HB 4209, HB 4210, HB 4827, SB 141, and SB 1014 all passed the Senate. HB 4209 creates a Medical Marihuana Licensing Board and requires state operating licenses, including a recommendation from local government for provisioning centers, growers, processors, transporters and marihuana testing. Additionally, the bill allows immunity for licensees from prosecution of marihuana offenses and creates an excise tax of 3 percent.

HB 4210 amended the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act to allow manufacturers of marihuana-infused products and regulates the manufacture, transfer and transport of those products. An additional amendment adopted expands where oils are prohibited and appropriates $8.5 million from the Marihuana Registry Fund to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for the implementation of HB 4827. HB 4827 creates a system of tracking and regulating the commercial traffic of products.

SB 141 updates the sentencing guidelines for selling marihuana in violation of registry identification card restrictions. Finally, SB 1014 allows the Department of Health and Human Services the ability to establish emergency rules on medical marihuana while a Medical Marihuana Licensing Board is created.

The package goes to the House for consideration.

posted by PAA Online , 9:55 AM
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Autonomous Vehicle Legislation Passed

The Senate unanimously passed a package of bills allowing the use of autonomous vehicles in Michigan.

SB 995, SB 996, SB 997 and SB 998 extensively lay out guidelines moving forward with autonomous vehicles. SB 995 allows an automated motor vehicle to be operated on a street or highway in Michigan. It also prohibits local government from imposing fees, registration and regulations on on-demand automated motor vehicle networks through December 31, 2022. It additionally creates the Michigan Council on Future Mobility within the Department of Transportation and requires annual policy recommendations through the council.

SB 996 allows a vehicle manufacturer to participate in a project if it meets certain criteria, specifies conditions during operations, and keeps immune from civil liability for damages from modifications of automated technology. SB 997 defines a mobility research center to the specifications of the American Center for Mobility. Additionally, the bill excludes a road under the control of a mobility research center from provisions of the Michigan Vehicle Code. Finally, SB 998 allows a motor vehicle mechanic or repair facility not liable for damages resulting from repairs.

All of the bills passed 36-0 with Senator Tory Rocca (R-Sterling Heights) absent from session.

posted by PAA Online , 9:54 AM
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Knollenberg Reintroduces State Road Bill

Senator Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy) reintroduced a bill to discontinue the requirement for large cities to pay a share of road projects in their jurisdiction. Governor Rick Snyder vetoed a similar bill in July.

Senator Knollenberg introduced SB 1068 on Thursday. It contains the exact language of the vetoed bill. Governor Snyder vetoed SB 557 on the grounds that it represented a piecemeal approach for road funding reform and requires the state to come up with $22 million over a year to replace the lost local contributions. Senator Knollenberg reintroduced this bill with the intention to keep options open, including an override option for the initial vetoed bill.

Senator Knollenberg added the bill could see revisions if the Governor and Legislature can reach a mutual agreement. He feels a resolution needs to be reached by the end of the year.

posted by PAA Online , 9:54 AM
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Allowing Search is Not Incriminating

The 6^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that providing police with consent to search one’s premises falls outside of a person’s right not to be questioned, and does not create an incriminating statement under the Fifth Amendment.

In USA v. Calvetti, Judge Richard Griffin was joined by Judge Richard Suhrheinrich and Judge John Rogers in the ruling, commenting that consent to a search is not incriminating because it is not testimonial or communicative evidence. This decision brings the 6^th Circuit states (Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Michigan) in agreement with most other circuits.

In the case, Sarah Calvetti was stopped during a traffic stop and consented to a search of her vehicle. During the search, Department of State Police troopers found 16 kilograms of cocaine. After her arrest, Ms. Calvetti signed a Miranda form and indicated she did not want to be questioned. She was questioned anyway. During her trial, Ms. Calvetti argued the violation of her Miranda rights tainted her consent to a search, to which the trial court disagreed.

Judge Griffin agreed with the lower court, adding the law protecting a defendant from unlawful questioning does not extend to a search the defendant allowed.

posted by PAA Online , 9:53 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Notte Remains on Ballot

Macomb Circuit Judge Richard Caretti denied Republican Candidate Diana Farrington’s residency claim against Michael Notte, her Democratic opponent in the 30^th House District. According to Gideon D’Assandro, spokesperson for the House Republican Campaign Committee, Ms. Farrington will not appeal the decision. Justice Caretti in his opinion cited Ms. Farrington’s failure to present uncontroverted facts regarding Mr. Notte’s residency and her delay in filing the initial complaint.

Straight Ticket Voting Appeal Denied

Attorney General Bill Schuette appealed for a stay of the preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Gershwin Drain regarding the straight ticket ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. Mr. Schuette’s appeal was denied. U.S. District Judge Gershwin Drain’s injunction will remain and the Michigan ballot will contain the straight-ticket option.

Dogs Allowed on Restaurant Patios

SB 727 passed the Senate Wednesday allowing dogs at outdoor seating areas if the restaurant allows it and the city, township, or village has no ordinance against dogs in outdoor seating areas. Sponsor of the legislation Senator Margaret O’Brien (R-Portage) commented this bill stemmed from previous work with former Representative Frank Foster. The intention is to further establish rules across the state and allow restaurants the ability to choose whether to allow dogs or not.

posted by PAA Online , 9:53 AM
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