State Reps. Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown Township) and Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township) have introduced bipartisan plans to make Michigan a “Next of kin” state for medical care and support families during life’s most difficult moments.

Under current law, when a person becomes incapacitated without a medical power of attorney in place, Michigan families are often left to navigate complex and time-consuming legal processes – including court petitions for guardianship – before they can make urgent medical decisions for a loved one. In some situations, these delays can have profound and tragic ramifications.

Thompson and Witwer’s bills create a clear, compassionate and practical process for health care decisions when no advance directive is in place by establishing a patient surrogate through Next of kin. Next of kin traditionally means a closest living blood relative, but how that’s determined can often become a legal matter that can be drawn out instead of dictated clearly through family history.

“As a nurse, I’ve seen how this impacts patients and families,” said Thompson, who serves as Vice Chair of the House Health Policy Committee. “This issue is also personal for me. When my father was gravely ill and passed away in 2023, my family experienced firsthand the emotional and legal challenges caused by the lack of a clear next of kin framework. These bills will offer clarity, support and peace of mind for families across our state when time is of the essence. Families should be spending time with their loved ones in these situations, not in the courts.”

House Bills 4418-19 have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.