Health occupations: physicians; license to engage in the practice of medicine for international medical school graduates; provide for under certain circumstances. Amends secs. 17001 & 17011 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.17001 & 333.17011). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4925'25

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

House Bill 4896 allows international medical graduates to obtain temporary and limited licenses in Michigan, addressing healthcare workforce needs in underserved areas.

recommendation concurred in

#healthoccupations:physicians #stateagencies(existing):licensingandregulatoryaffairs

Summary of House Bill 4896

Bill Number: HB 4896
Title: Health occupations: physicians; license to engage in the practice of medicine for international medical school graduates; provide for under certain circumstances.
Introduced: September 11, 2025
Status: Recommendation concurred in
Sponsor: Rep. Jason Woolford
TIE BAR WITH: HB 4925

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 4896 aims to amend the Public Health Code to facilitate the licensing of international medical school graduates in Michigan. The bill is designed to create a pathway for these graduates to obtain temporary and limited medical licenses, ultimately leading to full licensure, thereby addressing the healthcare workforce needs in the state.

Key Provisions

Temporary License

Eligibility Requirements:

Must have a medical degree from a WHO-recognized institution.
Must have practiced medicine for at least one year in another country.
Must hold certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
Must have completed steps 1 and 2 of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
Must secure full-time employment under a licensed physician's supervision at a participating facility (e.g., federally qualified health centers, hospitals).

Duration: Valid for two years, renewable once.

Limited License

Eligibility Requirements:

Must have held a temporary license for two years.
Must have completed step 3 of the USMLE.
Must demonstrate appropriate nonclinical skills as assessed by the participating facility.

Duration: Valid for two years, renewable once.

Practice Restrictions: Must practice in a medically underserved area of Michigan without supervision.

Full Licensure

Eligibility Requirements:

Must have practiced medicine under a limited license for at least two years.
Must have completed the necessary medical education and examinations as outlined in the bill.

Amendments to Existing Code

The bill also amends sections 17001 and 17011 of the Public Health Code to update citation references that will be renumbered by House Bill 4925.

Impact

Target Population: The bill primarily affects international medical graduates seeking to practice in Michigan, as well as healthcare facilities in medically underserved areas.

Fiscal Impact: While HB 4925 may generate additional revenue from licensing fees, HB 4896 itself is expected to have no fiscal impact on the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Procedural Aspects

The bill was introduced and referred to the Committee on Health Policy on September 11, 2025.

It has undergone legislative actions, including a report with a recommendation for referral to the Committee on Rules on November 12, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 4896, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on the healthcare landscape in Michigan.