This bill proposes the establishment of Chapter 43-17.5 of the North Dakota Century Code, creating a physician assistant licensure compact designed to improve access to medical services and facilitate the portability of physician assistant licenses across participating states. Under this compact, physician assistants can practice in any participating state as long as they hold a qualifying license from their home state and adhere to the regulations of the state where they are providing services. The bill outlines the responsibilities of participating states, including licensing physician assistants, maintaining a data system for tracking licenses and adverse actions, and conducting criminal background checks. It also includes provisions for adverse actions, granting exclusive authority to the issuing state while allowing remote states to take necessary actions to protect public health.

Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for a Physician Assistant Licensure Compact Commission, which will oversee joint investigations and facilitate the administration of the compact. It includes provisions for legal protections for commission members and employees, ensuring they are shielded from liability for actions taken within the scope of their duties, except in cases of intentional misconduct. The bill also details the process for handling defaults by participating states, including written notice and potential termination from the compact if issues are not resolved. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the licensure process for physician assistants while ensuring accountability, compliance, and data sharing among participating states.