The Overview
Occupational therapists licensed in Michigan will be able to treat patients in dozens of other states without getting a separate license in each one, under a law Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) signed July 22. The change starts Saturday, Jan. 22, 2028, when Michigan joins the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, which also lets therapists from other member states work in Michigan.
House Bill 4103 enacts the compact, and its companion, House Bill 4104, adds it to Michigan’s licensing law. Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) sponsored HB 4103, and Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby Township) sponsored HB 4104.
What The Law Does
A therapist or occupational therapy assistant with a valid, unencumbered home state license can apply for a “compact privilege” to practice in another member state. Applicants must pass an FBI fingerprint background check and follow the laws of the state where the patient is, and assistants must be supervised by a therapist licensed or privileged in that state.
Member states share licensing and discipline data through a common system, and a joint commission can adopt binding rules and take legal action against states that fail their obligations. HB 4104 sets a $75 annual fee for privilege holders. The House Fiscal Agency analysis said the bills could have a significant fiscal impact on the state’s licensing department, but it could not estimate how much.
The Debate
The House passed both bills 104-2 in May 2025. The Senate passed amended versions 35-1 on July 3, and the House agreed to the changes 104-2 the same day. Similar bills passed the House last session but stalled in the Senate, according to the Senate Fiscal Agency.
Supporters included the Michigan Occupational Therapy Association, the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, AARP and the Mackinac Center, according to the House analysis. “As a practicing health care provider, I’m proud that Michigan is not only expanding access to essential care, but it is also empowering our licensed professionals to serve patients more efficiently and effectively by cutting government red tape,” Rogers said in a House Democrats release.
What’s Next
Thirty-one states had joined the compact as of March 2025, according to the House analysis, and Whitmer also signed bills joining a separate physical therapy compact. Before the law takes effect, the state’s licensing department must connect Michigan to the compact’s shared data system, one of the costs the House Fiscal Agency flagged.
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