MICHIGAN — More than 8,000 physicians in Michigan risk losing their legal authority to practice medicine if state lawmakers do not reinstate the state’s participation in a national medical compact by March 28.The Michigan Osteopathic Association is calling for immediate legislative action to restore membership in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact to prevent widespread disruptions in patient care and treatment plans.
The state’s participation in the compact lapsed in March 2025 due to a sunset provision after previous efforts to remove the clause stalled in the Legislature. The compact is designed to streamline the licensing process for physicians practicing in multiple states, which supports health care access in underserved areas and through telemedicine services.
Two bills are currently moving through the Legislature to address the looming deadline. Senate Bill 303, introduced by Sen. Roger Hauck of Mt. Pleasant, passed the Senate with a 36-1 vote and is now in the House Rules Committee. House Bill 5455, sponsored by Rep. Rylee Linting of Grosse Ile Township, passed the House 102-two and is currently before the Senate Government Operations Committee.
Data from the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission shows that physicians operating under the Michigan Expedited Medical Compact License or practicing from other compact states will face immediate disruption without legislative action. This lapse creates new barriers to health care at a time when physician shortages remain a persistent challenge in Michigan.
Dr. Kevin Beyer, president of the Michigan Osteopathic Association, said the situation presents a high risk for both patients and medical professionals. The organization represents osteopathic physicians across the state and focuses on ensuring quality health care access.
“The stakes could not be higher for Michigan patients and physicians,” Beyer said. “Without action by March 28, thousands of physicians will lose their ability to practice in Michigan, resulting in canceled appointments, interrupted treatment plans and reduced access to care across our state.”
The association is calling on legislative leaders to reach a bipartisan compromise that can be sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her signature. Beyer emphasized that protecting the ability of physicians to serve Michigan residents should be a primary goal for state lawmakers.
“Ensuring continuity of care and maintaining access to qualified physicians should remain a shared priority,” Beyer said. “We respectfully ask lawmakers to act swiftly to protect Michigan patients and the physicians who serve them.”
State lawmakers must approve and send the legislation to the governor’s desk before the March 28 deadline to prevent the mass expiration of medical licenses. The Michigan Osteopathic Association is urging legislative leaders to prioritize the issue in the coming weeks.