HB 5101 Summary

• Creates a no-fault independent medical examination board within the department, consisting of 8 members appointed by the governor: 1 state bar attorney and physicians specializing in orthopedic medicine, neurosurgery, neurology, neuropsychiatry, psychiatry, and physical medicine/rehabilitation.

• Requires that physician board members be licensed in Michigan with majority of their professional practice in active clinical practice of their specialty, not in litigation-related examinations of potential lawsuits.

• Mandates that independent medical examinations under section 3151 be conducted only by physicians and healthcare professionals appointed by the board, with the board approving examination fees and adopting examination procedures and standards.

• Grants the board authority to review examination reports, investigate complaints about examination quality and independence, and take action against examiners who fail to maintain standards.

• Modifies section 3153 to allow courts to impose sanctions for refusing medical examinations, including establishing conditions as contended, excluding evidence, rendering default judgment, and requiring reimbursement of attorney fees and expenses.