Complaints about qualified worker shortages are common in many industries. Media regularly report about teacher shortages, a deficit of road builders and the need for more construction workers. The lack of doctors, nurses and dentists reportedly drives up medical costs.
This is Economics 101 — supply and demand. A major restriction on the supply of medical professionals is the state’s licensing regime, which makes it needlessly more difficult for professionals from other states to find work in Michigan. Universal reciprocity of all occupational licenses, certifications and training would help. If the state would automatically recognize licenses approved by other states, businesses could hire more workers, medical providers could start serving the public immediately and employment opportunities in Michigan would grow.