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More than half of states have some type of universal law recognizing licenses gained in other states. The Archbridge Institute grants 10 of these states a “gold medal” for their reciprocity laws. A gold medal means anyone properly licensed or working in a profession can move to the state and begin working quickly and easily.
Indiana and Ohio, Michigan’s neighbors, are on that list. They are doing better economically, and one factor in the difference might be this: Licensed professionals in good standing are unlikely to move to a state where they must repeat training, wait months for officials to compare nearly identical credentials or stop serving a longtime patient.
The good news is that Michigan lawmakers are working on a fix, and several proposals are making their way through the state legislature. One bill would broaden reciprocity. A more comprehensive package would essentially enact universal reciprocity.
Passing either bill would be a vast improvement. Michigan should uphold a simple principle: If another state has already licensed someone, and that professional has safely practiced for years, licensing boards should recognize that achievement. There needs to be a good reason to block a licensed professional from quickly getting to work in Michigan.
But this is not just a Michigan problem. Automatic license recognition helps states compete for workers, expand access to health care and make it easier for families to relocate. Lawmakers should stop treating borders as barriers to honest work.
Read the full article at The Washington Post.
Read the State Occupational Licensing Index here.
The Washington Post
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