Genesee News

May is National Nurses Month, a time to acknowledge the essential role nurses play in healthcare. A new bill aims to support these professionals by reducing regulatory barriers. House Bill 4246, introduced with bipartisan backing, seeks to allow registered nurses licensed in one state to practice in another without additional licensing.

State Rep. Phil Green highlighted the importance of this initiative: "This beneficial agreement will provide Michigan nurses with more freedom and flexibility within their careers." The bill aligns Michigan with 43 other jurisdictions that recognize out-of-state nursing licenses.

The rise of telehealth services has increased the need for such flexibility. Telehealth enables patients in underserved areas to receive care remotely, reducing waiting times and expanding access to healthcare.

Currently, Michigan's licensing requirements may deter nurses from practicing in the state. Rep. Green criticized these hurdles: "Asking a nurse who has already shown the capability to perform their job in another state to re-apply for a license in ours is overregulation at its worst."

A similar measure, HB 4032, which integrates Michigan into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact for physicians, has already advanced through the Legislature. Rep. Green's proposal would extend similar privileges to nurses.

Rep. Green recounted an incident from 2017 when hurricanes devastated Puerto Rico: "Unfortunately, nurses from Michigan were not allowed to participate in a life-saving mission because their license was only recognized as valid in the state of Michigan."

The proposed legislation aims to remove unnecessary regulation and improve healthcare access for residents by enabling more medical professionals to work across state lines.