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House approves nurse‑licensure compact bill after testimony highlighting interstate portability
Summary
The Michigan House passed a bill to join the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses licensed in participating states to practice across state lines; supporters cited workforce flexibility and telehealth, opponents raised concerns during floor debate.
The Michigan House on June 11 passed House Bill 4246, a bill to amend the Public Health Code to join the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), by a roll call of 57 yeas to 52 nays.
Representative Phil Green, who spoke at length in favor of the bill, described the measure as “intensely personal” and said the compact would enable Michigan‑licensed nurses to serve patients in other states and respond quickly in emergencies. “The nurse compact licensure model employed by 43 licensing jurisdictions will actually create a flexible workforce and expand access to modern health care,” Green told the chamber. He noted endorsements from multiple nursing and health organizations including the American Nurses Association — Michigan chapter and cited a survey of more than 66,000 nurses in which 83% reportedly favored compact membership.
Green said Michigan has about 118,000 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses and argued the compact would reduce regulatory barriers for nurses who practice in multiple states or provide telehealth services. He also said the Michigan Board of Nursing would retain authority over practice within the state.
During floor action, Representative Martis asked to be removed as a cosponsor of the bill; the clerk recorded that request. After debate the House ordered the bill advanced and then recorded a final passage vote of 57‑52. The majority floor leader moved for immediate effect, and immediate effect was ordered.
Supporters framed the compact as a workforce and patient‑access measure that would lower administrative friction and speed deployment of nurses for disasters or shortages. The bill’s language amends the Public Health Code to allow implementation of NLC provisions and aligns state licensing practice with the compact framework. The record shows multiple advocacy groups testified in support during committee hearings, as recounted on the floor by the bill sponsor.
The bill will proceed through enrollment and any further legislative steps required before it may take effect.
