South Michigan News

The Michigan Senate has approved legislation aimed at reinstating the state's involvement in an interstate medical compact to simplify physician licensure. The bill, sponsored by Senator Roger Hauck, seeks to restore Michigan's participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC).

"This very same effort has already been approved with vast bipartisan support by previous legislatures and has improved access to care by eliminating burdensome regulations and licensing requirements that discourage people from coming to Michigan to practice medicine," stated Hauck, R-Mount Pleasant. He emphasized that participating in the compact has been instrumental in attracting physicians to Michigan, particularly benefiting rural and underserved areas.

Previously, the Legislature had approved joining the IMLC and voted periodically to continue participation due to a sunset provision requiring such actions. Without recent votes extending this provision, Michigan initiated a withdrawal process but remains part of the compact until March 28, 2026.

Senate Bill 303 aims to secure Michigan's permanent membership in the IMLC by removing future legislative requirements for maintaining involvement. If enacted into law, Michigan would join over half of U.S. states as a permanent member of this interstate agreement.

"We needed to act relatively quickly to get this done, and I'm glad the bill received wide support in the Senate as it makes its way to the governor's desk," Hauck added.