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SB 1238

physician assistants; licensure compact.

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Janae Shamp

Arizona joins multi-state physician assistant compact allowing PA licensure reciprocity across participating states to improve healthcare access and provider mobility.

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Bill Summary · SB 1238

Legislative bill overview

SB 1238 would authorize Arizona to join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, a multi-state agreement that allows licensed physician assistants (PAs) to practice across state lines under a single license. The bill establishes the regulatory framework for Arizona's participation in this interstate compact, including provisions for licensure recognition and disciplinary coordination between states.

Why is this important

This compact addresses healthcare workforce mobility and access to care, particularly in rural or underserved areas where PA shortages exist. By allowing PAs licensed in one compact state to practice in another without obtaining separate state licenses, it could reduce administrative barriers, lower costs for practitioners, and increase provider availability in underserved regions.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice variation: Different states have different PA practice regulations and supervision requirements; the compact must balance autonomy across states while maintaining quality standards
  • Disciplinary enforcement: Determining which state holds primary disciplinary authority when a PA licensed in one state commits violations while practicing in another could create enforcement conflicts
  • Regulatory standards: Concerns that joining a multi-state compact could weaken Arizona's individual licensing standards or reduce state control over healthcare regulation

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

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