Important healthcare workforce bills related to the interstate medical licensure compact and prohibitions on non-compete agreements were reintroduced from the past legislative session by the Michigan Legislature during the week of Jan. 27. In addition, committee assignments were announced for the Michigan House of Representations.
House Bill 4032, sponsored by Rep. Rylee Linting (R-Grosse Ile), was introduced and referred to the Health Policy Committee. This legislation is a re-introduction from last term to eliminate the sunset on the interstate medical licensure compact, which streamlines the licensing process and allows physicians licensed in one state to practice in multiple, participating states.
By removing additional licensing requirements for physicians seeking to practice across state lines, patients experience increased access to care, especially in rural and underserved areas, by physicians included in the compact. In addition, states involved in the compact can share disciplinary and investigative information through the state medical board to strengthen public protection for patients and the program itself. Michigan’s participation in the compact is currently set to expire on March 28, 2025. The MHA supports this legislation and is working quickly with legislators to move it through the legislative process before the compact’s current expiration date.
Also, House Bill 4040 was reintroduced by Rep. Denise Mentzer (D-Mount Clemens) to prohibit employers from requiring employees agree to certain noncompete agreements. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Economic Competitiveness. The MHA is opposed to this legislation.
Another key legislative update from the week was the announcement of full House committee assignments. There are 18 Standing Committees this term, with notable committees including Appropriations, Education and Workforce, Health Policy, Insurance, Oversight and Regulatory Reform.
New to this term are the subcommittees on Oversight and traditional MDHHS appropriations. Both committees now include specific subcommittees addressing items like public health, while the Appropriations subcommittee is divided into three separate subcommittees on Human Services, Medicaid and Behavioral Health, and Public Health. Finally, there is a newly created Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses. The MHA looks forward to working with legislators serving on these committees to best represent MHA members during the 2025-2026 legislative term.
Members with questions may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.