S.B. No. 1609 establishes the "Physician Assistant Licensure Compact" within the Texas Occupations Code, facilitating the practice of physician assistants (PAs) across state lines through mutual recognition of licenses among participating states. The bill outlines the requirements for states to join the compact, including implementing criminal background checks and the ability to charge fees for compact privileges. It defines key terms such as "Compact Privilege" and "Adverse Action," and sets criteria for PAs to exercise their compact privileges, ensuring they hold current NCCPA certification and have no felony or misdemeanor convictions. The bill also mandates that licensees provide their primary residence address to the Commission and consent to accept service of process at that address.

Additionally, the bill creates the PA Licensure Compact Commission, a joint government agency responsible for overseeing the compact's implementation, including rulemaking and financial management. It emphasizes transparency by requiring public meetings and detailed minutes, while also establishing guidelines for the disclosure of information related to investigations. The Commission is empowered to mediate disputes between participating and non-participating states and can initiate legal action against states that fail to comply with the compact's provisions. The compact is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with the physician assistant board serving as the Compact administrator for Texas.

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