Michigan House Bill HB4246

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/18/25
• Refer: 3/18/25
• Report Pass: 5/14/25
• Report Pass: 6/5/25
• Engrossed: 6/11/25
• Refer: 6/12/25

Caption

Health occupations: nurses; nurse licensure compact; enact. Amends secs. 16170a, 16222, 16231, 16238 & 17201 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16170a et seq.) & adds secs. 16187, 17225 & 17225a.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4246 would amend the 1978 Public Health Code by adding provisions for the NLC, allowing Michigan to become a party state to this interstate compact. This would facilitate the sharing of licensure and disciplinary information between states, enhance the monitoring of nurse compliance with state laws, and provide greater access to nursing services in various regions. The bill also seeks to ensure that state practice laws are upheld, while simultaneously streamlining the qualifications necessary for obtaining and maintaining a multistate license, thus potentially increasing the number of active nursing professionals available for patient care across state lines.

Summary

House Bill 4246 focuses on the enactment of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in Michigan, which aims to improve nurse licensure processes by allowing registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/VNs) to practice across state lines without the need for duplicative licensing. This legislation is intended to enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery by facilitating the mobility of qualified nursing professionals and ensuring a higher standard of public safety through cooperative regulation among member states. The amendments proposed in the bill reflect a move towards modernizing nurse licensure laws to align with contemporary care delivery systems and the increasing complexity of healthcare technology.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 4246 has been supportive among healthcare organizations and nursing professionals who advocate for increased nurse mobility and accessibility to care. Proponents argue that the compact will address nursing shortages in certain areas and improve patient outcomes by allowing nurses to practice where they are needed most. However, there are concerns from some stakeholders about maintaining high standards for nursing practice and the potential implications for local oversight and regulatory authority, thus highlighting a tension between fostering nurse mobility and ensuring regulatory integrity.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions about HB 4246 include the balance between easing bureaucratic hurdles for nurses and upholding rigorous state standards for nursing practice. Critics question whether the expedited process could compromise the quality of care or reduce accountability for nursing professionals. Additionally, there are discussions around the implications of transferring authority for nurse regulation across state lines and the need for robust inter-state communication and enforcement mechanisms to ensure adherence to care standards and protect public health.