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 & 17820b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4101’25
Key claim: Michigan amended its Public Health Code to incorporate the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact into the physical therapist licensing process, with immediate effect.
Abstract
(SB0501 · 103rd Legislature) 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 & 17820b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4101’25 Sponsor: Sen. Sylvia Santana (D) Latest vote: House Third Reading: Given Immediate Effect Roll Call #305 — 106-2 (passed, 2026-07-03) Latest action (2026-07-29): Assigned Pa 0040’26 With Immediate Effect
Why this matters
Enactment of HB 4102 alongside HB 4101 operationalizes Michigan’s entry into the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, letting PTs licensed in member states practice in Michigan and vice versa — expanding the labor pool for a health occupation and reducing licensing friction for cross-border practitioners. For workers, it lowers re-licensure costs when relocating; for employers (clinics, hospitals), it broadens the hiring market. It also cements Michigan’s pattern of joining profession-specific interstate compacts (PT, OT, PA, respiratory care) as its main occupational-mobility mechanism.