Bill > SB281

This bill aims to enhance healthcare access and streamline professional licensing by enacting several key provisions. It establishes the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council to guide the state's participation in federal rural health initiatives, with the council's duties and the department's responsibilities for grant management and public reporting detailed. Crucially, the bill adopts the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact and the PA (Physician Assistant) Licensure Compact, which create streamlined processes for physicians and physician assistants to obtain licenses in multiple states, thereby improving portability and patient access to care. It also enacts the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, allowing licensed psychologists to practice across state lines via telepsychology or temporary in-person services, and the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact, facilitating the movement of EMS personnel. The bill also clarifies the scope of practice for physician assistants, expands their ability to practice without a direct collaborative agreement in certain settings, and updates various statutes to align with these new compacts and the expanded role of physician assistants, including provisions for criminal background checks for licensure and updated definitions for professional practice.

Health and Social Services

Health & Social Services (Senate)

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB281