Michigan Right-To-Try Law Enacted

 

A law giving terminally ill patients in Michigan the opportunity to try experimental drugs and other treatments was signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder earlier this week.

The “Right-to-Try” Act gives those suffering from advanced illnesses the choice to try experimental drugs and similar treatments which have yet to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The law allows drug makers to give patients with advanced illnesses experimental drugs, biological products, and devices that have successfully cleared Phase 1 of the FDA approval process.

The experimental treatments would only be permitted under a doctor’s supervision. Medical professionals and health care facilities are shielded from liability if the experimental treatment does not have a positive result for the patient. The law does not require insurance companies to cover the costs related to such treatments.

Michigan is the fourth state behind Colorado, Missouri, and Louisiana to enact a Right-To-Try law. Arizona residents will vote on a similar ballot initiative in November.

The bill was signed into law as Public Act 345 of 2014.