By a near-unanimous vote, the Michigan House passed legislation reinstating Michigan in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. The compact is an agreement between participating states, which allows qualified physicians seeking to practice in multiple states to be eligible for expedited licensure in all participating states. Michigan first joined the compact in 2019, and the legislature extended its participation in 2022. Michigan’s active membership is set to expire on March 28, 2026.
Key Points:
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- House Bill 5455 was introduced by Representative Rylee Linting (R-Grosse Ile).
- Unlike prior iterations of legislation that allowed the state to participate in the compact, this bill does not include language providing for a future repeal.
- The bill will be sent to the Senate for consideration.
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact:
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- The compact allows a physician to be licensed in multiple states under the existing regulatory authority of state medical boards.
- While it creates an additional pathway for licensure, it doesn’t change a state’s medical practice act.
- A physician is under the jurisdiction of the state medical board where the patient is located.
- Currently, 42 states either belong to or are implementing membership.
- As of February 2025, approximately 3,600 doctors have obtained privileges in Michigan under the compact.
During the committee hearing, several organizations indicated support, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, and the Michigan College of Emergency Physicians, among others.
