The Michigan House of Representatives on Tuesday passed House Bill 4484, a measure to amend the Social Welfare Act to codify a recent Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) rule that broadens which speech-language pathologists can receive Medicaid reimbursement.

Supporters said the bill ensures continued access to speech-language pathology services for low-income Michiganders by removing a private certification requirement as a condition of Medicaid payment. “This legislation codifies MDHHS's new rule that expands access to speech language pathology services, particularly for low income Michiganders,” Representative Fox said on the floor.

The bill responds to an MDHHS change earlier this year that removed the requirement that clinicians hold the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) to be reimbursed for Medicaid services. Representative Fox said the CCC had required clinicians to “pay to play,” making reimbursement contingent on a private credential many clinicians viewed as accessory to state licensure.

Backers argued codifying the rule in statute preserves the change against future administrative reversal and keeps speech-language pathology services — from early childhood language development to post-stroke rehabilitation and swallowing assessments for older adults — available for Medicaid enrollees. Opponents did not register extended floor debate on the record during third reading.

The clerk recorded final passage at 102 aye votes and 1 nay. The majority floor leader moved and the House ordered immediate effect.

The law will take effect immediately, per the House’s action, after enrollment and the usual administrative steps.

Votes on related committee reports and other measures continued afterward.