Senator Bert Johnson (D- Detroit), right, speaks at a May 22, 2012 press conference, along with Representative Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor),left, to discuss the details of a new package of Patient Safety bills being presented by a bicameral group of Democrats. The legislation seeks to increase penalties for doctors who commit certain offenses such as practicing while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, acting with the intent to harm a patient, or intentionally prescribing unnecessary medication. The bills would also create new reporting requirements and administrative disciplinary action within the Department of Community Health to better monitor doctors who are proven to be bad actors.
