Bill > SB1609

This bill establishes the Physician Assistant (PA) Licensure Compact, a comprehensive interstate agreement designed to streamline professional licensing for physician assistants across participating states. The compact creates a national administrative body called the PA Licensure Compact Commission to manage a coordinated data system, establish uniform standards, and facilitate easier cross-state practice for licensed PAs. Key provisions include creating a "Compact Privilege" that allows PAs licensed in one participating state to practice in other member states without obtaining additional licenses, establishing a centralized data system to track licensure and disciplinary actions, and setting clear requirements for PAs to qualify for interstate practice. To be eligible, PAs must have graduated from an accredited program, hold current national certification, have no felony convictions, and maintain an unrestricted license in good standing. The compact aims to improve healthcare access, particularly for military families, by reducing administrative barriers while maintaining patient safety through robust reporting and disciplinary mechanisms. The bill authorizes the physician assistant board to administer the compact and adopt necessary implementation rules, with the compact becoming effective once seven states have enacted it into law.