Michigan LARA Expands License Renewal Terms for PAs and Controlled Substance Licenses
As of August, 2024, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has announced significant updates affecting PAs in the state. The new changes extend the renewal terms for both PA licenses and controlled substance licenses to a three-year cycle. This move aims to streamline administrative processes and provide healthcare professionals with greater flexibility in managing their licenses.
Key Updates at a Glance:
• PA License Renewal Extended to 3 Years: Physician assistants in Michigan will now be able to renew their professional licenses every three years, a shift from the previous two-year renewal period.
• Controlled Substance License Also Extended to 3 Years: Along with their professional licenses, PAs with controlled substance licenses will now have a three-year renewal period. This will continue to simplify license management and ensures that both licenses expire concurrently.
Benefits of the Update
1. Reduced Administrative Burden: Previously, PAs had to renew both their professional and controlled substance licenses on a two-year cycle, leading to frequent paperwork and renewal fees. By expanding the renewal terms to three years, this will reduce the time and effort PAs spend on compliance.
2. Cost Efficiency: While license renewal fees will still apply, spreading the renewal term over three years instead of two provides a more manageable approach for financial planning, especially for those who maintain multiple licenses.
Please CLICK HERE to see MAPA’s public comment supporting this rule change from March 2024 in a letter of submission to the Director of LARA.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact MAPA or the Bureau of Professional Licensing at BPLHelp@michigan.gov or 517-241-0199!
