Pennsylvania Joins PA Licensure Compact, Bringing the Total to 30 Member States

October 26, 2026

Adding to a year of major legislative wins, Pennsylvania has officially become the 30th state in the PA Licensure Compact with Governor Josh Shapiro’s signature of HB 1961 (Act 76)! 

A commitment to joining the PA Licensure Compact was part of Pennsylvania’s Rural Health Transformation Program application, with the goal of improving access to care for patients, particularly those in rural areas, and expanding the state’s healthcare workforce, which includes nearly 13,000 PAs. Pennsylvania joins neighboring compact states Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware and New Jersey, helping to strengthen healthcare access and workforce mobility throughout the region.  

“The signing of Act 76 marks an important step forward for Pennsylvania’s PAs and the patients we serve,” said Jennifer Campbell, PA-C, AACC, DFAAPA, president of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Associates (PSPA). “Joining the PA Licensure Compact will reduce licensing barriers, support workforce mobility, and create opportunities to expand access to care. 

“PSPA thanks Representative Bob Merski for sponsoring this legislation and the bipartisan group of legislators who supported its passage. This achievement represents meaningful progress, and we look forward to building on it through continued modernization of PA practice in Pennsylvania, strengthening our healthcare workforce and improving access to high-quality care for all Pennsylvanians.” 

The PA Licensure Compact is an interstate occupational licensure compact that, once operational, will allow eligible PAs to obtain privileges to practice in other compact member states without undergoing duplicative licensure applications. From reducing delays to expanding employment opportunities, the PA Licensure Compact provides significant benefits for both patients and providers.  

The PA Compact Commission, the intergovernmental agency responsible for administering the compact, anticipates PAs will have access to compact privileges by early-to-mid 2027. 

To learn more about implementation timing, answers to common questions, and available resources, read AAPA’s recent overview on the PA Licensure Compact.

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