House Bill 183 proposes the establishment of the Physician Assistant (PA) Licensure Compact, which facilitates the practice of physician assistants across participating states through mutual recognition of licenses. The bill outlines a comprehensive framework that includes provisions for criminal background checks, the definition of key terms, and the creation of a PA Licensure Compact Commission responsible for overseeing the compact's implementation. Key features include maintaining a data system for licensees, allowing states to impose adverse actions against a PA's compact privilege, and establishing criteria for exercising this privilege, such as holding a qualifying license and meeting educational requirements.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 37-20-402 of the Montana Code Annotated to introduce new requirements for criminal background checks for PA licensure, mandating that applicants submit fingerprints for state and federal checks and pay associated fees. The Montana Department of Justice is also authorized to share fingerprint data with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These amendments aim to enhance the integrity and safety of the licensure process for physician assistants in Montana while ensuring accountability and transparency in the commission's operations.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 37-20-402
HB0183_1(1): 37-20-402
HB0183_1(2): 37-20-402
HB0183_1(3): 37-20-402
HB0183_1(4): 37-20-402
HB0183_1(5): 37-20-402
HB0183_1(6): 37-20-402
HB0183_1(7): 37-20-402
HB0183_1: 37-20-402
HB0183_X(1): 37-20-402
HB0183_X(10): 37-20-402
HB0183_X(11): 37-20-402
HB0183_X(12): 37-20-402
HB0183_X(2): 37-20-402
HB0183_X(3): 37-20-402
HB0183_X(4): 37-20-402
HB0183_X(5): 37-20-402
HB0183_X(6): 37-20-402
HB0183_X(7): 37-20-402
HB0183_X(8): 37-20-402
HB0183_X(9): 37-20-402
HB0183_X: 37-20-402