South Michigan News

The state House of Michigan has recently given the green light to bills proposed by Reps. Doug Wozniak and Dale Zorn aimed at broadening access to occupational and physical therapy care. The bills seek to include Michigan in both the Occupational Therapy Interstate Licensure Compact and the Physical Therapy Interstate Licensure Compact.

Zorn expressed optimism about the impact of these compacts, stating, "These interstate compacts will improve access to health care in Michigan while maintaining our state’s regulatory authority to protect the health and safety of our residents." He further noted the potential benefits of the legislation in addressing specific healthcare needs, mentioning, “This legislation would also help fill the need for physical therapists specializing in critical areas of care, such as chronic pain, oncology rehabilitation, and more.”

Wozniak, emphasizing the qualifications of occupational therapists, stated, “Occupational therapists go through rigorous education and training to receive their professional licenses. It’s common sense to allow these qualified professionals to provide in-person and online services throughout the country.”

The compacts are designed to streamline the process for professionals to obtain multistate licensure without the need for separate licenses from each state. By joining these compacts, Michigan aims to enhance access to care by enabling occupational and physical therapy services to be provided across state lines.

The article also mentions that the Michigan House is contemplating similar legislation for physician’s assistants, following the bipartisan approval of Wozniak’s House Bill 4170 and Zorn’s HB 4505. The bills have now advanced to the state Senate for further consideration.