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PA Licensure Compact Update: Minnesota and Tennessee Become the 11th and 12th States to Pass PA Licensure Compact

May 28, 2024

Minnesota and Tennessee became the 11th and 12th states to adopt the PA Licensure Compact model legislation following signatures from both states’ governors.

On Friday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed HF 5247.

“This legislative advancement represents a significant step forward for the PA profession in Minnesota, empowering us to better serve our patients and communities,” the Minnesota Academy of PAs reported. The chapter expresses gratitude to the Minnesota legislature for recognizing the significance of broadening access to the high-quality healthcare that PAs deliver to patients across Minnesota.

On Tuesday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed SB 1727. In addition, Gov. Lee signed SB 2136, which provides experienced PAs more practice flexibility in Tennessee.

“The compact bill will open up a lot of opportunities for PAs in Tennessee who may be interested in working in different settings, such as telemedicine or for PAs who live around the state border. Bordering eight states, Tennessee PAs often have patients from other states that they treat,” said Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistant (TAPA) president Marie Patterson. “This compact bill will streamline healthcare, decrease the burden on patients and PAs alike, and improve access to care. We are grateful for our TAPA leadership who spearheaded the legislation and for the bipartisan support in passing the compact.”

Delaware, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Nebraska, Virginia, Oklahoma, Maine, and Colorado previously have enacted the PA Compact model legislation.

The compact is now in the process of being operationalized, which will take anywhere from  18 to 24 months which is the typical timeline for occupational licensure compacts.Once operationalized, eligible PAs can then complete a single application to receive a compact privilege (which is equivalent to a license) from each compact state in which they intend to practice.

Other Pending Legislation

  • Michigan (H.B. 5117)
  • New Hampshire (S.B. 486)
  • New York (S.B. 7711 / A.B. 8172)
  • North Carolina (S.B. 879/H.B. 1056)
  • Ohio (S.B. 28)
  • Rhode Island (H.B. 7083)
  • Vermont (H.B. 572)

To learn more about the PA Licensure Compact, visit our page here.

[AAPA will never stop advocating on behalf of the PA profession. Strengthen the PA voice by becoming a fellow member today!]

If you would like to advocate for the PA Compact in your state or more information of where your state may be in this process, contact your state chapter or your AAPA state liaison.

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