WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 936

An Act relative to physician assistant interstate compact

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kim Ferguson and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts joins multistate physician assistant licensing compact, allowing PAs single license to practice across participating states while maintaining individual state oversight standards.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 936

Legislative bill overview

HD 936 establishes Massachusetts's participation in the Physician Assistant Interstate Compact, a multi-state agreement that allows physician assistants (PAs) to obtain a single multistate license enabling them to practice across participating states. This bill removes barriers to PA practice mobility by eliminating the need for separate licensure in each state while maintaining individual state oversight.

Why is this important

The compact addresses healthcare workforce shortages and geographic disparities in care by enabling PAs to work across state lines more efficiently—particularly valuable for telehealth, rural medicine, and border regions. This increases access to care while reducing administrative burdens on healthcare providers who work in multiple states.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice variations: Different states allow PAs different levels of autonomy and prescriptive authority; the compact must clarify which state's regulations govern multistate practitioners
  • Quality control and accountability: Concerns about whether a single license adequately protects patients when PAs practice across states with varying standards and disciplinary records
  • Economic impact on local providers: Some may worry about increased competition from out-of-state PAs or effects on PA job markets in certain regions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.