HB 4509 Michigan House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Health occupations: audiologists; audiologist and speech language pathologist licensure compact; provide for. Amends secs. 16801 & 17601 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16801 & 333.17601) & adds secs. 16187, 16804 & 17603a.

HB 4509 creates a licensure compact for audiologists and speech-language pathologists in Michigan, allowing professionals licensed in participating states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate Michigan licenses. This directly affects audiologists and speech-language pathologists seeking to work in multiple states, particularly those in states that have joined the compact. The bill amends Michigan law to establish reciprocal licensing agreements, adding new provisions (sections 16187, 16804, and 17603a) to facilitate this process. It does not change patient care standards but streamlines professional mobility for these healthcare providers. The bill passed unanimously in the Michigan House with immediate effect on October 30, 2025.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2025
Committee Review
Oct 2025
House Passage
Oct 2025
Senate Passage
Oct 2025
Governor
Introduced May 21, 2025 Last action Oct 30, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Substitute (H-1) As Passed by the House · 6 edits · Oct 28, 2025
MODERATE
This bill amends Michigan's Public Health Code to formally adopt the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, allowing licensed professionals to practice across state lines under a 'compact privilege.' It adds new definitions, establishes a national commission to oversee the program, and creates a shared data system for tracking licenses and disciplinary actions. The changes aim to improve public access to care, support military families, and ensure consistent safety standards while maintaining state regulatory authority.
Scope change
The bill expands the scope of practice for audiologists and speech-language pathologists to include interstate practice under a mutual recognition system, whereas previously they were restricted to their home state licenses.
SCOPE

Added a new section establishing the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, allowing professionals to practice in other member states without obtaining a new license.

DEFINITION

Added numerous new definitions including 'compact privilege,' 'remote state,' 'home state,' and 'telehealth' to clarify the legal framework for interstate practice.

REQUIREMENT

Added mandatory criminal background checks using FBI records for all applicants seeking a compact privilege to ensure public safety.

Added specific educational and experience requirements for audiologists and speech-language pathologists to qualify for the interstate compact privilege.

ENFORCEMENT

Established a national Commission and data system to share licensure and adverse action information between states and enforce discipline across state lines.

TECHNICAL

Corrected formatting errors, capitalization, and spacing in the bill text and section headers.

Floor votes · House Oct 28, 2025

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
18
Key actions
6
Committee
5
Amendments
1
Oct 30, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH POLICY
upper
Oct 30, 2025
Upper · Passed
PASSED BY HOUSE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
upper
Oct 28, 2025
Introduced
title amended
lower
Oct 28, 2025
Lower · Passed
passed; given immediate effect Roll Call #269 Yeas 101 Nays 3 Excused 0 Not Voting 6
lower
Oct 28, 2025
Lower · Passed
substitute (H-1) adopted and amended
lower
Oct 16, 2025
Committee
referred to second reading
lower
Oct 16, 2025
Lower · Passed
reported with recommendation without amendment
lower
Sep 3, 2025
Lower · Passed
recommendation concurred in
lower
Sep 3, 2025
Lower · Passed
reported with recommendation for referral to Committee on Rules
lower
May 21, 2025
Committee
referred to Committee on Health Policy
lower
May 21, 2025
Introduced
introduced by Representative Rep. Luke Meerman
lower
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors

Sponsors