LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After weeks of warnings that Michigan could lose access to thousands of out-of-state doctors caring for Michigan patients, the House has stepped in and finalized an agreement – just before the clock ran out.

According to Michigan House Republicans, lawmakers secured a deal Thursday to keep Michigan in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, a program that allows physicians to practice across state lines more easily. Without action, the state’s membership was set to lapse soon, potentially sidelining thousands of doctors and worsening an already strained healthcare system.

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Freshman Rep. Rylee Linting (R–Grosse Ile) led the charge, calling the issue too important to get tangled in political turf wars.

“If Michigan does not act, all of these privileges that help deliver vital care and better health outcomes for patients will go away,” Linting said.

Despite broad bipartisan support, the plan was briefly held up in the Democrat- controlled Senate over political disputes.

The Senate is expected to approve the measure next week, sending it to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for final approval.