State Rep. Joseph Pavlov this week secured the passage of his plan to give Michigan professionals a simpler path if they choose to stop practicing and no longer wish to be bound by costly renewal and continuing-education requirements.

House Bill 4929 allows individuals to voluntarily relinquish a state license under the Public Health Code if they are no longer actively practicing in that field. The bill frees them from ongoing mandates tied to licensure renewal and training, penalties that currently apply even when the license is unused.

“This reform is simply common sense: if someone has left a profession, they shouldn’t be tied down by rules meant for active practitioners,” Pavlov said. “Retired doctors shouldn’t have to pay fees to keep their license, and nurses who have moved into a different job shouldn’t be pushed to take continuing education classes. It makes no sense. By giving these professionals the option to move on, we reduce needless red tape and stop punishing people for working in fields helping us all live better lives.”

The bill passed the House on November 6 in a unanimous vote. It is now awaiting action in the state Senate.