Michigan Healthcare & Telehealth Compliance Guide
Michigan enforces the Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) doctrine, which prohibits non-physician entities from owning medical practices or employing physicians. This is supported by the Michigan Business Corporation Act and opinions from the Attorney General. Licensed professionals are permitted to form professional corporations (PCs) or professional limited liability companies (PLLCs) to offer their services, but these entities must be owned by licensed professionals. Non-profit organizations have generally not been subject to the state's CPOM ban.
- Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM): Strict
- Telehealth prescribing permitted: Yes
- In-person exam required first: No
- Audio-only visits allowed: Yes
- Nurse practitioner authority: Restricted
- Collaborative practice agreement required: Yes
- Good Faith Exam required: No
Telehealth prescribing in Michigan
Telehealth is permitted in Michigan, and audio-only telehealth is allowed for Medicaid beneficiaries. An in-person visit is not required for many services, although some exceptions may apply. A health professional providing a telehealth service may prescribe a drug if they are a prescriber acting within the scope of their practice.
Controlled substances in Michigan
Michigan permits the prescription of controlled substances via telehealth, contingent on the practitioner adhering to both state and federal regulations. The DEA has prolonged the telemedicine flexibilities, which were initially implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for the prescription of controlled substances without a prior in-person examination until December 31, 2026.
Medical director requirements in Michigan
In Michigan, every medical spa, wellness clinic, and telehealth provider is required to have physician oversight to ensure compliance with state regulations. Only physicians licensed in Michigan (MDs or DOs) are authorized to serve as medical directors or delegate medical acts on behalf of a clinic.
Nurse practitioner scope and collaborative practice in Michigan
Michigan maintains a restricted practice environment for nurse practitioners, mandating a collaborative practice agreement with a physician. This agreement delineates the terms of their collaboration and the extent of the nurse practitioner's practice.
Key operating notes for Michigan
Providers must be licensed in the state of Michigan to offer telehealth services. Additionally, obtaining informed consent from the patient is a mandatory requirement before providing telehealth services. There are no significant recent legislative changes to report.
Recent regulatory changes in Michigan
No significant recent changes
Frequently asked questions
How does Michigan's strict CPOM doctrine affect my healthcare business?
Michigan enforces strict Corporate Practice of Medicine laws, meaning non-physician entities cannot directly employ physicians or control clinical decisions. You'll need a properly structured PC-MSO arrangement to operate compliantly. TrueEval can guide you through the entity formation and management services agreements required.
Do I need a medical director for my medspa or IV therapy clinic in Michigan?
Yes — Michigan requires physician oversight for medical procedures performed in medspas, IV therapy clinics, and similar brick-and-mortar healthcare establishments. A medical director develops protocols, provides clinical oversight, and ensures regulatory compliance. TrueEval places board-certified medical directors licensed in Michigan who understand both telehealth and in-person practice requirements.
Are Collaborative Practice Agreements required for NPs in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan requires Collaborative Practice Agreements (CPAs) between nurse practitioners and supervising physicians. NPs in Michigan have restricted practice authority, meaning a CPA is necessary for prescriptive authority. TrueEval provides Michigan-specific CPA templates and matches NPs with qualified collaborating physicians.
Can I prescribe medications via telehealth in Michigan?
Yes, telehealth prescribing is permitted in Michigan. No in-person visit is required before prescribing via telehealth. Audio-only consultations are allowed. TrueEval ensures your prescribing protocols meet all Michigan requirements.
What compliance requirements apply to cash-pay healthcare businesses in Michigan?
Cash-pay healthcare operations in Michigan — including telehealth, medspas, IV therapy, and wellness clinics — must still comply with all state medical practice acts, CPOM laws, prescribing regulations, and scope of practice requirements. The main difference is you won't deal with insurance billing compliance, but you must still maintain proper corporate structure, physician oversight, and clinical documentation. TrueEval specializes in cash-pay compliance frameworks for Michigan.