2005 House Bill 4325 / Public Act 264

Scope of practice for needle electromyography

Introduced in the House

Feb. 17, 2005

Introduced by Rep. Leslie Mortimer (R-65)

To restrict the performance of needle electromyography or the interpretation of nerve conduction tests to specially trained licensed physicians those under their direct supervision. This procedure is used to record and study the electrical activity of a muscle using a needle electrode, and is used to diagnose certain diseases of the peripheral nervous system and muscles.

Referred to the Committee on Health Policy

March 8, 2005

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

April 20, 2005

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that exempts chiropractors and podiatrists from the more extensive scope of practice restrictions the bill imposes.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Edward Gaffney (R-1)

To clarify certain scope of practice provisions of the bill, and make explicit that the bill does not mandate new or additional insurance coverage or worker's compensation coverage.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Barb Vander Veen (R-89)

To establish a less restrictive additional training requirement for practitioners.

The amendment failed 31 to 74 (details)

Passed in the House 80 to 23 (details)

To restrict the performance of needle electromyography or the interpretation of nerve conduction tests to chiropractors, podiatrists, and specially trained licensed physicians those under their direct supervision. This procedure is used to record and study the electrical activity of a muscle using a needle electrode, and is used to diagnose certain diseases of the peripheral nervous system and muscles. It is commonly performed by physical therapists upon referral by physicians. The bill would "grandfather" physical therapists if they get additional training and certifications.

Received in the Senate

April 21, 2005

Referred to the Committee on Health Policy

Oct. 18, 2005

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Nov. 9, 2005

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that exempts only a limited number of current practitioners from the proposed new regulations through 2007, specifically those who have performed at least 10 procedures per year for the past five years.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Nov. 10, 2005

Amendment offered by Sen. Shirley Johnson (R-13)

To impose less extensive electromyography scope of practice restrictions on physical therapists performing the procedure upon referral from a phycisian. Essentially this would codify the status quo for licensed physical therapists.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 24 to 14 (details)

To restrict the performance of needle electromyography or the interpretation of nerve conduction tests to chiropractors, podiatrists, and specially trained licensed physicians those under their direct supervision. This procedure is used to record and study the electrical activity of a muscle using a needle electrode, and is used to diagnose certain diseases of the peripheral nervous system and muscles. It is commonly performed by physical therapists upon referral by physicians. The bill would "grandfather" some physical therapists if they get additional training and certifications.

Received in the House

Nov. 10, 2005

Nov. 29, 2005

Amendment offered by Rep. Leslie Mortimer (R-65)

To exempt current practitioners from the proposed new regulations through 2007 only if they have performed 10 procedures per month for the past five years.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Barb Vander Veen (R-89)

To impose less extensive electromyography scope of practice restrictions on physical therapists performing the procedure upon referral from a phycisian. Essentially this would codify the status quo for licensed physical therapists.

The amendment failed 39 to 66 (details)

Passed in the House 76 to 30 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill, which makes more restrictive the "grandfathering" provision, after making this even more restrictive.

Received in the Senate

Nov. 30, 2005

Dec. 1, 2005

Passed in the Senate 25 to 10 (details)

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Dec. 14, 2005