A plan from state Rep. Rylee Linting which maintains flexibility for medical professionals and simplifies government processes was unanimously advanced today by the House Health Policy Committee.

House Bill 4032 renews the state’s standing as a part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and updates existing law so that Michigan can remain within the compact permanently. The compact allows physicians who are licensed in one member state to practice across state lines in other member states without having to apply for more licenses. 

“When I came to Lansing to represent the Downriver community, I was committed to simplifying government so it works more efficiently and effectively for workers and families,” said Linting, of Grosse Ile. “More regulation and red tape doesn’t help grow our state or our communities. In this case, it could actually endanger access to medical care. The compact allows more medical professionals to work in Michigan without nickel and diming them through complicated government processes, addresses physician shortages, and provides people with critical care. It’s a huge plus to be a part of, and this plan will keep our state as a permanent member.”

Adam Carlson, of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, noted the compact is particularly important for rural areas to continue having access to care when testifying with Linting on the legislation last week.

“This compact is vitally important for our ability to recruit high-quality, talented individuals,” added Dr. Mo Salameh, who is the Chief Medical Officer for Trinity Health, during testimony before the House Health Policy Committee. “For these individuals, we are competing with several other states. The end point of why that’s important, as far as what consumers and the citizens of Michigan see, is more streamlined processes and licensing allows for us to bring more talent into the health care system to serve patients in need.

“Prior to this compact being in place, the lead time was so much higher and sometimes that would scare away certain applicants.”

Michigan originally joined the compact, which 40 U.S. states currently participate in, in 2018 and has renewed once already. Current law that puts the state in the compact is set to expire on March 28. 

The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Rylee Linting, of Grosse Ile, testifies on HB 4032 before the House Health Policy Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 19.