What's 232 pages long and took more than two years to write? It's a proposal to overhaul Michigan's public health code.
Michigan's public health code regulates everything from medical facilities to disease control to taxes. It was created in 1978 and hasn't changed much since.
State Sen. Jim Marleau, R-Lake Orion, says one proposal calls for a team approach to medicine in Michigan, so MDs and osteopaths, physician assistants and nurses are all on the same patient care page.
Marleau says that's a big change.
"When I was younger, believe me, it was like oil and water. But I'm telling you that they're working very close together," Marleau says.
The overhaul also tackles putting doctors in underserved rural and urban areas of the state.
Marleau also says the state must also face another reality:
"We will have a shortage in the state of Michigan with primary care and doctors in all fields, and so it is an issue."
Student-loan relief in exchange for a period of service is one idea being considered.
Marleau says the package of bills is a work in progress, and that feedback from medical professionals is welcomed.
To read more about SB568, SB569 and SB570, visit http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28zg1eai55loyc1ku5lm5t0x45%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=bills
