Health occupations: physical therapists; licensing process; modify to incorporate physical therapy licensing compact. Amends secs. 16335, 17801 & 17821 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16335 et seq.) & adds secs. 17820a & 17802b.
Summary
HB4380 amends Michigan’s Public Health Code to update the licensing framework for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants so it aligns with the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. The bill recognizes out-of-state compact privilege holders as authorized to practice in Michigan, and treats them, for most purposes, as if they were licensed under Michigan law. It also adds new definitions for compact-related terms and clarifies that compact privilege holders may practice as physical therapists or physical therapist assistants under the same professional rules that apply to Michigan licensees.
The bill also updates the fee schedule for physical therapy licensure and compact privileges, setting the annual fee at $90 and retaining existing application, jurisprudence exam, and limited license fees. It makes a related change to the Michigan Board of Physical Therapy by preserving its 11-member structure and directing the board to select the director as Michigan’s delegate for compact purposes. The act would take effect one year after enactment and only if the companion bill, HB 4101, is enacted as well.
Impact
HB4380 would amend MCL 333.16335, 333.17801, and 333.17821 and add new sections 333.17820a and 333.17820b to the Public Health Code. Its main legal effect is to integrate the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact into Michigan law, allowing compact-authorized physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to practice in the state without obtaining a separate Michigan license, while subjecting them to the same statutory obligations as in-state licensees. It also adjusts fee provisions and formalizes the board’s role in compact administration.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been received positively overall. It was reported from committee without amendment by a 17-0 vote and later passed the House overwhelmingly, 103-2, including immediate effect. That voting pattern suggests broad bipartisan support and little controversy in the chamber.
Contention
There is little evidence of major opposition in the available record. The only notable procedural condition is that the bill is tie-barred to HB 4101, meaning it cannot take effect unless that companion legislation is enacted. Any potential concern would likely center on interstate licensure, regulatory oversight of compact privilege holders, and the board’s implementation role, but no specific objections appear in the provided transcripts or vote history.