Thousands of physicians who obtained their Michigan professional license through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) process are at risk of not being able to practice in Michigan. If the Legislature fails to pass legislation to reinstate its participation in the IMLC before the March 28, 2026, deadline, their licenses will be invalid.
Michigan passed legislation in 2018 (Public Act 563 of 2018) allowing Michigan to join the IMLC. The law included a three-year sunset provision which was previously extended to March 28, 2025. Because the Legislature neither extended nor eliminated the sunset clause last year, the law was repealed and Michigan began the year-long process of withdrawing from the IMLC. This withdrawal period ends on March 28, 2026.
To date, each Chamber has passed its own bills to restore Michigan to the IMLC. House Bill 5455 currently awaits consideration by the Senate Committee on Government Relations, while Senate Bill 303 resides in the House Committee on Rules. Although the deadline is approaching fast, House and Senate Leadership have yet to agree on which bill to advance.
Messaging on the IMLC website states the following:
EFFECTIVE at 6:00 pm Eastern on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, physicians will no longer be able to select Michigan as their State of Principal License (SPL) or to select Michigan as a state to obtain a license.
***Should legislation pass and be signed into law, which would allow Michigan to remain in the IMLCC, prior to the March 28, 2026 deadline, the ability to select Michigan as an SPL or obtain a license from Michigan will immediately resume.***
IF MICHIGAN FAILS TO PASS THE REQUIRED LEGISLATION BEFORE MARCH 28, 2026, YOUR LICENSE COULD BE RENDERED INVALID. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PRACTICE MEDICINE IN MICHIGAN. ADDITIONALLY, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO PENALTIES FOR THE UNLICENSED PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IF YOU CONTINUE SEEING PATIENTS AFTER MARCH 28, 2026.
1. Physicians Holding Michigan Licenses Issued Via the IMLCC Process
These licenses will most likely become invalid as of midnight on March 28, 2026. If Physicians wish to continue to practice in Michigan after March 28, 2026, you may apply for a MD or DO license in the state of Michigan by visiting the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website.
2. Physicians With Michigan As The State Of Principal License (SPL)
Where Michigan is the State of Principal License, you must redesignate your state of principal licensure as soon as possible. It is recommended that you watch this instructional video prior to beginning the process. If you choose to “REDESIGNATE” and need additional assistance, IMLCC Licensing Support can be reached at (303) 997-9842 or email inquiry@imlcc.net.
MSMS staff confirmed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) that if legislation is not passed, licenses obtained through the IMLC will be null and void. If physicians have more questions, they should contact the IMLC staff at lara-bplcompact@michigan.gov.
For more information, you may also contact Stacey Hettiger at shettiger@msms.org or 517-336-5766.