Supporters urge reinstating Michigan in interstate medical licensure compact to preserve telehealth access

Witnesses from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association told the House Health Policy Committee Thursday that Senate Bill 303 would restore Michigan’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, a multi‑state agreement that simplifies physician licensure across member states.

Adam Carlson and Taylor Elpert, testifying for the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, said the bill would restore a compact membership that lapsed when a previously passed sunset took effect in March. "There are 40 states currently in the compact, roughly 3,500 physicians in the state of Michigan who are licensed through the compact," Carlson said. He and Elpert argued that reinstatement would prevent disruption to physicians who use the compact to practice in multiple states and provide telehealth to rural communities.

Elpert said loss of the compact could complicate cross‑state practice, reduce telehealth access for rural areas and hinder recruitment and retention of physicians in Michigan. "By passing this legislation, Michiganders can continue to receive care without significant burdens or delay," Elpert said.

Representative Carter asked whether the lapse had yet affected physicians; witnesses said there had been no immediate impact so long as the state rejoins within a year because of how the compact’s mechanics work.

Nut graf: Testimony framed SB 303 as a technical fix to restore an administrative compact that affects licensing logistics and telehealth access rather than an expansion of practice authority; no committee vote on SB 303 was recorded during the hearing.

Ending: Committee members thanked the witnesses; the record included several organizations submitting support cards, including hospitals and insurers.