Supporters argue passing the proposed ‘Emotional Support Animal Act’ would make sure only those who need a support animal would receive a certification.
Democratic state Representative Sara Cambensy says the current system needs more supervision:
“Do to a lack of oversight in how these certificates are handed out, we’ve come to having a process of dial a doctors, most not even residing in the state of Michigan who are handing these certificates out to our residents.”
The bill would require a certifying medical professional to have an existing relationship with a patient. It would also ban providers from receiving money just for declaring a patient needs an animal.
Opponents worry the bill would make it harder for people who need emotional support animals to get one.
