The Overview

If you are an occupational therapist, you may now allowed to practice in the state of Michigan. The law now lets occupational therapists and assistants licensed in other compact states practice in Michigan, a change driven from Michiganders facing waitlists and gaps in rehab care. Michigan occupational therapist licensing will work through compact privileges treated as Michigan licenses, with a $75 yearly fee, and the change takes effect Jan. 22, 2028. The nine-member Michigan Board of Occupational Therapists will carry it out by picking the state delegate to the compact, and the text lists no separate penalties.

The law, titled "Health occupations: occupational therapists; licensure process for occupational therapists; modify to incorporate occupational therapy licensure compact," was introduced by Rep. Douglas Wozniak with 42 cosponsors and is now enacted as Public Act 44 of 2026. The governor approved it July 21, 2026, it was filed July 22, 2026, and it takes effect 18 months after enactment on Jan. 22, 2028.

The broader problem is access to occupational therapy and state-by-state licensing, with federal workforce data projecting faster-than-average growth tied to an aging population and demand in schools, home health and long-term care. Provider groups describe waitlists for pediatric, school-based and outpatient services and hiring trouble in rural areas, while national workforce coverage points to cost and delay when clinicians need a new license in each state for moves, travel work or telehealth. The law amends sections of the Public Health Code, and adds others to recognize compact privileges for therapists and assistants as Michigan licenses for practice and obligations.

The Demo

The change applies to out-of-state therapists and assistants who want to work in Michigan and to Michigan patients who use their services, within a state of 10,077,761 people. State figures put the median age at 40.2 years, with 14.3 percent of residents living with a disability and 4.9 percent without health insurance. Median household income is $72,875, with 13.2 percent living below the poverty line.

The Debate

One Michigan-based reaction came from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, which supported HB 4104 and its companion bill, and sent a member to testify as both cleared the House Health Policy Committee. That coverage names Wozniak as sponsor of HB 4104 and Rep. Julie Rogers as sponsor of the companion. The House passed the bill May 13, 2025 on passage with immediate effect, Roll Call No. 101, by 104 yes votes and 2 no votes.

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