Bill > HB4843

This bill amends existing Michigan law regarding controlled substances and their penalties, specifically creating an exemption for minors under 21 years old who seek or assist in seeking medical help for a drug overdose or other medical emergency related to prescription drugs that are controlled substances or controlled substance analogues, provided the drugs were possessed in an amount sufficient only for personal use. A "controlled substance" is a drug or other substance, or immediate precursor, that is regulated by federal or state law due to its potential for abuse or addiction, and "controlled substance analogue" refers to a substance that is structurally or pharmacologically similar to a controlled substance and has similar effects. This exemption applies when the evidence of the minor's violation is obtained as a direct result of seeking or providing medical assistance, and it also requires healthcare facilities to develop a process for notifying parents or guardians of minors under 18 who receive emergency treatment under this exemption, though parental notification for non-emergency treatment would require the minor's consent. The bill also clarifies that this exemption does not prevent investigation or prosecution for other unrelated criminal charges.