Health occupations: respiratory therapists; respiratory care interstate compact; provide for. Amends sec. 18701 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.18701) & adds secs. 16187h & 18703a.
Key claim: Michigan SB1037 proposes to join the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing respiratory therapists licensed in member states to practice across state lines without obtaining a separate Michigan license.
Abstract
(SB1037 · 103rd Legislature) Health occupations: respiratory therapists; respiratory care interstate compact; provide for. Amends sec. 18701 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.18701) & adds secs. 16187h & 18703a. Latest action (2026-06-11): Referred To Committee On Health Policy
Why this matters
Interstate licensure compacts change who can work in Michigan without a Michigan-issued license, affecting labor mobility for a specific health workforce and the state’s licensing revenue and oversight authority. Adding respiratory therapists to the compact pattern already advancing for PTs, OTs, and PAs signals a broader legislative direction toward reducing state-by-state licensing friction for health workers, with implications for hospitals, staffing agencies, and workforce supply during shortages.