House committee hears testimony on bill to join physician assistant licensure compact

Representative Preston introduced House Bill 4309 to amend Michigan’s public health code and join the Interstate Physician Assistant (PA) Licensure Compact, saying the compact “is designed to remove bureaucratic barriers” and to streamline licensure for PAs who live or practice across state lines.

The bill’s supporters told the House Health Policy Committee the compact would expand access to care in underserved and border communities, reduce administrative burdens for providers and benefit military families who relocate frequently. “It makes things more effective for the hospitals, more cost effective for the hospitals and for the PAs themselves,” said Jody McCollum, director of trauma services at UP Health System Marquette, describing cross‑border practice between Michigan and Wisconsin.

The compact grants a multistate “compact privilege” to PAs licensed in a member state; those using the compact must still…