Missouri Becomes 27th State to Join the PA Licensure Compact
Missouri has officially joined the PA Licensure Compact, opening the door to multistate practice for the state’s more than 1,850 PAs!
July 16, 2026
Court Victory Prompts Department of Education to Recognize PA Programs as Professional Degree Programs
Following the federal court's preliminary relief in AAPA and PAEA's legal challenge, the U.S. Department of Education has issued updated implementation guidance recognizing PA programs as professional degree programs for purposes of administering the new federal student loan limits while the Court's order remains in effect.
July 1, 2026
Block on ED’s Definition of “Professional Degree” Is the First, Not Final, Legal Victory
While AAPA and PAEA forge ahead in the next chapter of this legal fight, pre-PAs and others in the PA community may have questions about what “preliminary relief” means for students this fall and the status of our case. While we don’t have all the answers at this juncture, we want to provide you with as much insight as we can.
June 26, 2026
Three Landmark Bills to Modernize PA Practice and Expand Access to Care Become Law in Alaska
In less than a week, Alaska took several significant steps forward in modernizing PA practice in the state through passage of SB 89, HB 110, and HB 195, marking an exciting moment for the PA profession and for Alaska’s patients.
June 24, 2026
Half the Country Now Part of PA Licensure Compact as Rhode Island Becomes 25th Member
The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) celebrates Rhode Island becoming the 25th member of the PA Licensure Compact, following Governor Dan McKee’s signing of HB 7127.
June 15, 2026
Rhode Island Becomes 25th State in PA Licensure Compact, Marking Major Moment in Compact Adoption
On June 12, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed HB 7127 into law, making Rhode Island the 25th member of the PA Licensure Compact. This officially brings the PA Licensure Compact to half the nation, a major achievement since the compact’s model language was finalized and states began introducing language in December 2022.
June 15, 2026
Advocacy in Action: Energized for the Work Ahead
It’s been a little over a week since we returned from AAPA 2026, and the Advocacy Division is feeling more energized than ever about the progress made over the past year and the outlook for the future of the profession.
June 1, 2026
Legislation Signed by Delaware Governor Meyer Will Optimize PA Workforce, Expand Patient Access to Care
The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) applauds Governor Matt Meyer for signing HB 325 into law and establishing an optimal practice environment for the state’s growing physician assistant/associate (PA) workforce.
May 12, 2026
In Continued Momentum at the State Level, Kentucky Makes Critical Improvements to State’s PA Practice Environment
On April 10, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed SB 116 into law, a major healthcare bill that removes decades-old practice laws and strengthens Kentucky’s PA workforce and delivery of care.
April 14, 2026