The proposed bill establishes the "Physician Assistant Licensure Interstate Compact," designed to facilitate the portability of physician assistant licenses across member states while ensuring patient safety. It allows physician assistants to practice in any participating state through mutual recognition of licenses, streamlining the process for military families and maintaining state authority over disciplinary actions. The bill mandates that states conduct criminal background checks and adhere to the compact's regulations. Additionally, it creates the "Physician Assistant Licensure Compact Commission," which will oversee the compact's implementation, manage finances, and coordinate joint investigations among states.

The bill introduces several new provisions, including a coordinated data and reporting system for licensed physician assistants, and grants the commission rulemaking powers to create binding regulations that do not conflict with state laws. It outlines procedures for public meetings, emergency rule adoption, and dispute resolution, while ensuring that employers cannot require physician assistants to seek licensure through the compact as a condition of employment. The bill emphasizes compliance and transparency, requiring the commission to publicly post its bylaws and actions, and includes provisions for joint investigations with other state boards. A contingent repeal clause is also included, which would nullify the new sections if any commission rule conflicts with existing state law.

Statutes affected:
JC substitute: 61-6-5