Bill > SB0036

This bill amends the Michigan Public Health Code to expand the Michigan Essential Health Provider Recruitment Strategy to include midwives as eligible professionals. The bill adds "midwife" and "midwifery program" to the definitions in Section 2701, which means licensed midwives can now participate in the state's health provider repayment program. Under the changes, midwives can receive up to $40,000 per year in loan repayment, with a maximum lifetime benefit of $300,000, if they commit to working full-time in a health resource shortage area. The bill also allows the department of health to cooperate with midwifery associations and services to support placing midwives in underserved areas. Additionally, the biennial reporting requirements for the health provider recruitment strategy now include an assessment of midwifery programs when evaluating tuition costs and debt repayment needs. These modifications aim to help address healthcare access challenges in Michigan by providing financial incentives for midwives to work in areas with limited healthcare resources.

Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0036