WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 4903

Health occupations: counselors; relicensure requirements; modify. Amends sec. 18114 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.18114).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 5 co-sponsors

HB 4903 creates a tiered relicensure path for expired LPC/LLC licenses, including exams or certification checks and a grandfathering option for early-degree holders.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON REGULATORY AFFAIRS
#healthoccupations:counselors
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4903

HB 4903 — Summary (Relicensure requirements for counselors)

Status and context
- Bill: HB 4903 (amends MCL 333.18114, Public Health Code)
- Introduced: March 13, 2025; Companion: SB 2049
- Enacted and signed by Governor: June 20, 2025 — effective immediately
- Amends the relicensure rules for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Limited Licensed Counselors (LLC). Section amended was originally added by 2019 PA 96.

Purpose
- To set out the conditions under which the Michigan Department of Health may grant relicensure to individuals whose LPC/LLC license has expired, creating different re-entry requirements depending on how long the license has been expired and providing a limited grandfathering pathway for older graduates.

Key provisions
1. General application requirements (applies to all relicensure applicants)
- Submit a completed relicensure application form provided by the department.
- Pay the applicable relicensure fee (references MCL 333.16201(3) or (4) depending on timing).
- Submit a professional disclosure statement that complies with section 18113.

  1. Relicensure if license expired less than 3 years

    • Department may grant relicensure if the applicant submits the application, fees (per MCL 333.16201(3)), and the professional disclosure statement.
    • If the applicant holds or formerly held an out-of-state LPC/LLC license, the out-of-state licensing agency must verify on a department form that:
      • No disciplinary proceedings are pending at the time of application; and
      • Any prior sanctions are not currently in force.

  2. Relicensure if license expired more than 3 years

    • Applicant must submit application, fees (per MCL 333.16201(4)), and professional disclosure statement, and satisfy one of:
      • Pass one of these examinations:
      • National Counselor Examination (National Board for Certified Counselors), or
      • Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification examination, or
      • An exam the department determines is equivalent to either above; or
      • Demonstrate to the department that the applicant meets certification requirements of the NBCC, the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, or an equivalent program as determined by the department.

  3. Grandfathering path for early-degree holders (limited exception)

    • Individuals who earned a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or student personnel work before Oct 1, 1991 and completed two years’ professional experience before Oct 1, 1993 may apply for relicensure under either the <3-year or >3-year fee schedule (per 16201(3) or (4)), and may either:
      • Submit the professional disclosure statement; or
      • Provide out-of-state licensing verification (no pending disciplinary proceedings and no sanctions in force), as described above.

Who is affected
- Primary: counselors seeking relicensure in Michigan (LPCs and LLCs) whose licenses have lapsed.
- Secondary: Michigan Department of Health & licensing staff (administration of exams, equivalency determinations, and verification forms), out-of-state licensing agencies (verification requests), employers and clients (availability of returning counselors).

Procedural/timeline notes
- The department retains discretion (“may grant”) in issuing relicensure subject to the statutory conditions.
- Fees are referenced by statute (MCL 333.16201(3) and (4)); the bill does not change or specify dollar amounts.
- The law took effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature on June 20, 2025.

Potential impacts and considerations
- Provides a clear re-entry framework that balances competency safeguards (exams, certification, disclosure, disciplinary checks) with pathways for former licensees to return to practice.
- May lower administrative ambiguity for applicants and licensing staff; could modestly increase the pool of eligible counselors returning to practice.
- Leaves equivalency determinations and some discretion to the department, which may affect consistency and workload.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.