Monroe Review

State Representative Jamie Thompson has introduced legislation aimed at expanding Michigan’s “Right to Try” law, which would allow more residents to access experimental treatments. The original Right to Try law, adopted by 41 states and later signed into federal law in 2018, permits terminally ill patients who have exhausted other options to seek medicines not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Thompson’s proposal seeks to broaden eligibility under the law. “My new plan reflects recent medical developments and expands eligibility beyond terminal illness to include patients with various life-threatening or severely debilitating conditions,” said Thompson, of Brownstown. “This specifically will benefit people with rare diseases who often do not have access to FDA-approved treatment. Many states are moving to update their laws with these new parameters now that the federal law is almost 10 years old and we continue to make strides in the medical field. Michigan should do the same to help provide residents with the best possible care. This bill will help save lives and increase access, while respecting fundamental patient rights.”

As a Licensed Practical Nurse, Thompson highlighted that conditions such as multiple sclerosis, ALS, spinal muscular atrophy, and certain aggressive cancers could qualify for expanded access under her bill. She noted that newer treatments like gene therapies may be available for these conditions if the legislation passes.

The bill also introduces requirements related to informed consent. Patients would need to be made aware of potential costs, side effects, and details about all available treatments before proceeding.

The legislation is expected to be formally introduced soon.