Frequently Asked Questions

PA Compact Basics

What does the PA Compact do?

The PA Compact provides a streamlined process (via a compact privilege) for PAs to practice in other compact member states.

Why is there a need for the PA compact?

The PA Compact is an agreement between participating states to improve access to PA services. Eligible PAs can qualify to practice in multiple participating states via one PA Compact website.

The PA Compact streamlines the timely portability of authorization to practice in each participating state. State licensure policies and processes vary and can result in duplicative efforts by a PA wishing to engage in multistate practice.

The PA Compact reduces the burdens for multistate practice by accounting for and reflecting the uniformity of PA licensure laws through a streamlined process.

How does an interstate compact compare to a universal licensure recognition law?

Universal licensure recognition (ULR) laws and interstate compacts promote interstate mobility for licensed professionals. ULR laws generally set less restrictive and more uniform licensure portability standards across most or all occupations within a single state than the traditional licensure process; however, they do not provide for true reciprocity by allowing a practitioner to practice both in and out of member states. Compacts are tailored to a particular profession and allow licensees to engage in interstate practice in all compact member states. ULR laws also present differing requirements by each enacting state, as compared to compacts which provide a uniform process and pathway for practitioners.

While states are using ULR laws as part of their toolkits to increase license mobility, they are also exempting interstate licensure compacts from the provision of the universal recognition policy. By joining a compact, states are agreeing to the requirements for participation as listed in the compact. ULR policies that do not include a provision excluding interstate licensure compacts may come into conflict with requirements for participation in a compact. Interstate licensure compacts and ULRs can coexist without conflict or redundancy as long as provisions to exclude compacts are inserted into ULR bills.

Who can use the compact?

The PA Compact is an optional pathway for PAs who are seeking to practice in other compact member states. To qualify, a PA must hold a license in a compact member state and meet the requirements set forth by the compact.

Who will administer the compact?

The PA Compact Commission will administer the compact. The compact commission is a joint public agency comprised of states participating in the compact. Each state joining the compact will designate a delegate from its licensing board or agency to participate on the commission.

Compact Privileges

What is a compact privilege?

A compact privilege is the authorization for a qualifying PA to practice in a compact participating state. A compact privilege is the legal equivalent to a state issued license. Therefore, a compact privilege holder is responsible for following the same scope of practice as a licensed PA in that member state when practicing within that member state.

Who qualifies for a compact privilege?

PAs may apply for a compact privilege should the state in which they hold a qualifying license join the PA compact. A compact privilege is based on the PA’s existing license and their ability to meet other requirements established by the compact.

Does a compact privilege provide the authorization to practice in every compact member state?

A PA must apply for an individual compact privilege for each compact member state where services will be provided.

When will I be able to purchase a privilege to practice?

It is currently estimated that compact privileges will be available in early 2027.

How much will a compact privilege cost?

The cost of a compact privilege will be determined during the operationalization phase of the compact. 

PA Practice 

Can the PA Compact be used to provide telehealth services?

Yes, PAs utilizing a compact privilege will be able to provide telehealth services in accordance with the laws and regulations of the state in which the patient is located.

How does the compact address collaborative agreements, supervision requirements, or other state-specific prerequisites to practice?

The compact provides PAs the authorization to practice from a licensure aspect. PA professionals may be subject to other requirements in order to legally practice, including supervision/collaboration and prescribing authority prerequisites. As PAs would currently have to do any time they are practicing in another state, they must ensure they are following these requirements before practicing.

As provided in the compact, PAs will need to complete jurisprudence examinations in each state where they are required.  

Will PAs need to complete continuing education requirements in each state they hold a compact privilege?

PAs are required to meet the continuing education requirements of the state in which they hold a qualifying license. PAs must also maintain current NCCPA certification which requires continuing education. They will not need to complete additional continuing education units for states where they hold compact privileges.

How does the compact affect PAs who hold multiple single state licenses?

A practitioner must maintain at least one single state license in a member state, which serves as their qualifying license for their compact privilege(s). PAs may elect to not renew their other single state licenses and instead apply for compact privileges in those states provided they are members of the compact. The process for applying for compact privileges in lieu of multiple single state licenses will be further expounded by commission rule.

Legislative Process

When will compact legislation be available for states to introduce?

Model legislation is available for state introduction and may be accessed here.

What is the cost for a state to participate in the PA Compact?

There is no fee for states to join the compact.

The compact commission will have the authorization to generate revenues, including through a compact privilege fee.

Participating states also have the ability to assess fees to PAs applying for a compact privilege (including renewals).

What can I do to help?

If you are a PA and would like to advocate for the compact in your state, please contact the state chapter of your national membership organization.

If you represent an organization interested in learning more about the compact, you may reach out to amortell@csg.org.

Supporting information may be found in the PA Compact Toolkit.