Bill > A05985

This bill adopts the Physician Assistant (PA) Licensure Compact, a comprehensive interstate agreement designed to enhance the portability of physician assistant licenses while maintaining patient safety. The compact creates a standardized process for PAs to practice across participating states by establishing a mutual recognition system where a PA with a valid license in one state can obtain a "compact privilege" to practice in other participating states. Key provisions include requiring PAs to have graduated from an accredited program, hold current national certification, and have no disqualifying criminal history. The bill establishes a PA Licensure Compact Commission to administer the compact, which will develop a centralized data system to track licensee information, adverse actions, and investigative details. The compact aims to simplify licensing for PAs, particularly benefiting military families and those who live near state borders, while ensuring that each state retains the ability to investigate and take disciplinary action against PAs who fail to meet professional standards. The compact will become active once seven states have enacted it, and participating states can withdraw with a 180-day transition period that allows existing compact privileges to remain valid.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5985