A new statewide survey of Michigan voters shows that three-quarters support legislation making it easier to choose a nurse practitioner as their health care provider, according to results released on June 19. The survey, conducted by the Mellman Group for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, also found that a majority support removing restrictions on nurse practitioners and are more likely to vote for legislators who do so.
One in three Michiganders reported waiting longer than they thought was reasonable for a health care appointment in the past year. Among those experiencing unreasonable waits, 41% waited more than a month, and one in five either sought care in an emergency room or went without care altogether.
“Across Michigan, patients are facing challenges in receiving timely health care services. Outdated Michigan laws are needlessly adding to this problem,” said Naila Russell, DNP, FNP-BC, Legislative Committee Chair of the Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners. “Michiganders want solutions, and they want more options and choice for care.”
The survey found that 76% of voters support legislation making it easier to choose a nurse practitioner as their provider—an increase from 73% in 2022. Of those who have personally seen a nurse practitioner (63%), confidence is high: 87% expressed confidence in NP-delivered care compared with 85% two years prior. Nearly 60% said they would be more likely to vote for legislators who remove restrictions on NPs; this figure rose six points from 52% in 2022. Support spans party affiliation, gender, age, race and region. Eighty-six percent say improving access to timely health care will be important when voting this November.
"The data is unambiguous. Michiganders know and trust nurse practitioners, and they want the freedom to choose them without government-imposed barriers," said Phillip Bergquist, CEO of Michigan Primary Care Association. "These restrictions don't protect patients. They prevent them from getting the timely, high-quality care they deserve. Removing the unnecessary restrictions on nurse practitioners is one of the most straightforward steps Michigan can take to combat rising health care costs and long wait times.”
Michigan currently requires NPs to operate under physician agreements—a restriction already eliminated by Full Practice Authority legislation in 27 other states as well as Washington, D.C., and two U.S. territories. The National Academy of Medicine and other organizations recognize Full Practice Authority as a way to improve access to affordable health care.
The Mellman Group conducted the survey May 11–17 among 600 registered voters via live calls and texts-to-cells with a margin of error of plus or minus four percent at a ninety-five percent confidence level.
