Supporters tell committee reinstating interstate medical licensure compact preserves telehealth access

Adam Carlson and Taylor Elpert of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association testified in favor of Senate Bill 303, which would restore Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact after a statutory sunset. "There are 40 states currently in the compact, roughly 3,500 physicians in the state of Michigan who are licensed through the compact," Carlson told the committee.

Carlson said a compact sunset earlier in March created a risk that Michigan physicians could lose streamlined licensure status and that the bill would "make sure that those physicians don't have their licenses disrupted at all going forward." Elpert explained the compact’s operational benefits: physicians in compact states can more easily obtain licensure to practice in other member states, which supports telehealth access in rural areas and helps recruitment and retention of clinicians.

Elpert also told the committee that compact members can "share disciplinary and investigative information" to maintain licensure standards and protect patients. Committee members asked whether the March sunset has already caused physician disruptions; Carlson said the compact process includes a grace period — if Michigan rejoins in time there should be no immediate impact on physicians.

Multiple industry groups filed in support (recorded by the clerk), and committee members indicated support for moving the bill forward. The committee did not take a final floor vote on the bill in this session; the hearing record shows invited testimony and committee questions.