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Bill

HB 2286

RELATING TO THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT LICENSURE COMPACT.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nadine Nakamura

Hawaii joins interstate Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, allowing licensed PAs to practice across member states without separate state licenses, simplifying mobility but potentially reducing state regulatory control.

Referred to HLT/LAB, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 5
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Bill Summary · HB 2286

Legislative bill overview

HB 2286 proposes that Hawaii join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, an interstate agreement that allows physician assistants (PAs) licensed in one member state to practice in other member states without obtaining separate licenses. The compact streamlines the licensure process through a centralized database and reciprocal recognition of credentials across participating states.

Why is this important

This bill addresses healthcare workforce mobility and access to care, particularly in rural or underserved areas that may struggle to recruit medical professionals. For PAs, it reduces licensing costs and administrative burdens when relocating or practicing across state lines, potentially increasing flexibility in how and where they work. For Hawaii specifically, it could improve healthcare access by facilitating PA recruitment and retention.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory oversight concerns: Critics may worry that a compact reduces state-level regulatory control and disciplinary authority, potentially creating gaps in protecting consumers if one state's standards differ significantly from Hawaii's
  • Local workforce impact: Some may argue that easier reciprocal licensing could increase out-of-state competition for Hawaii jobs rather than strengthening the local PA workforce
  • Implementation costs: States typically absorb administrative costs for participating in compacts, and the fiscal impact on Hawaii's licensing board and healthcare system is unclear without detailed analysis

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

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