PA Licensure Compact Bill Passes in Delaware
Delaware Becomes Second State to Sign PA Licensure Compact Bill into Law
On June 21, Gov. John Carney signed S.B.116 into law, making Delaware the second state to join Utah in adopting the PA licensure compact. S.B.116 will strengthen access to medical services and enhance the portability of PA licensure while safeguarding the safety of patients and complementing the existing authority of state licensing boards.
The PA Licensure Compact will make it easier for PAs to practice in multiple states. PAs holding a valid, unencumbered license in one compact state will be able to apply for a “compact privilege” to practice in other compact states. A compact privilege will provide authorization to practice as a PA under that state’s laws and regulations.
AAPA announced the release of the PA Licensure Compact model legislation in November 2022, ahead of the 2023 legislative session. For the compact to become active, seven states need to adopt the compact language through legislation. Minnesota, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Texas also introduced PA compact legislation during the 2023 legislative session.
As partners in state advocacy, AAPA supported the Delaware Academy of Physician Assistants (DAPA) in educating legislators, stakeholders and the public about the PA profession and the benefits of these improvements to the delivery of healthcare across Delaware leading up to the legislature’s approval.
“This bill better positions PAs to remain key healthcare providers and increases the profession’s ability to continue working towards improved patient health and access to care, “said DAPA president Gwen Dalphon, PA-C.
AAPA will be working with state chapters to introduce and enact the compact in states during the upcoming 2024 legislative session.
Further information on the PA Licensure Compact, model legislation, and other compact resources may be accessed at pacompact.org.
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