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HB 45

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT LICENSURE COMPACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gail Armstrong and 4 co-sponsors

New Mexico would join an interstate compact allowing licensed physician assistants to practice across member states without separate state licenses, streamlining workforce mobility while maintaining regulatory oversight.

action postponed indefinitely
#health&healthfacilities #licensure
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Bill Summary · HB 45

Legislative bill overview

HB 45 would allow New Mexico to join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, an interstate agreement that enables licensed physician assistants to practice across multiple member states without obtaining separate licenses in each state. The compact creates a streamlined credentialing process while maintaining individual state oversight and patient safety standards.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects healthcare workforce mobility and access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas. It could reduce licensing costs and administrative burdens for PAs, potentially increasing their availability in regions with healthcare shortages, while also addressing patient access to care across state lines—an increasingly important issue as telemedicine expands.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice variation: Different states define PA scope of practice differently; the compact may create confusion or require New Mexico to accept PAs trained under broader standards from other states
  • Regulatory oversight concerns: Some stakeholders worry that streamlined interstate licensing could dilute New Mexico's ability to enforce state-specific regulations and protect patients from out-of-state practitioners
  • Economic impacts on local providers: Existing PA practices may face increased competition from licensed practitioners in neighboring states, affecting local employment and business models

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

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