The proposed General Assembly Substitute Bill No. 6835 seeks to implement the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact (PA Licensure Compact) in Connecticut, effective July 1, 2025. This compact will allow physician assistants (PAs) to practice across state lines with mutual recognition of their licenses, while maintaining the authority of state licensing boards to regulate and discipline PAs. The bill includes provisions to facilitate the licensing process for active duty military personnel and their spouses, enabling them to obtain a compact privilege based on their existing unrestricted licenses. Key requirements for states participating in the compact include licensing PAs, implementing a data system for tracking licensees, and conducting criminal background checks.

The legislation establishes a PA Licensure Compact Commission, which will oversee the compact's implementation and governance. The commission will consist of delegates from participating states and will have the authority to impose adverse actions against a PA's compact privilege, conduct joint investigations, and ensure compliance with ethical standards. The bill introduces provisions for qualified immunity for commission members, mandates annual financial reviews, and outlines procedures for rule adoption and enforcement. Additionally, it requires applicants for PA licensure to undergo a state and national fingerprint-based criminal history records check, enhancing the regulatory framework for PAs in Connecticut. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the licensure process for PAs while ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance.