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Committee hears PA licensure compact bill backed by Department of Defense and military groups
Summary
Senate Bill 126 would enact the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact to allow interstate practice privileges for qualifying PAs; supporters told the committee the compact aids military families and maintains state regulatory oversight.
The Committee on House Health and Human Services heard Senate Bill 126, which would enact the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact and allow qualified physician assistants to obtain multistate practice privileges.
Carly, the committee staff analyst, said SB 126 mirrors previous House language and establishes a commission to implement and administer the compact, a coordinated data and reporting system for licenses and adverse actions, and a process for participating states to impose adverse action when appropriate. The bill would take effect July 1, 2025, and the compact commission would begin upon the passage of a seventh member state.
Michelle Richard, Midwest region liaison for the U.S. Department of Defense state liaison office, said licensure portability is a priority for service members and spouses who frequently relocate. "These compacts serve to relieve one of the many stressors of a military move and support military families' financial and personal well-being," Richard said. Lieutenant Colonel Keith Marshall of the Kansas Adjutant General's Department also urged support, citing the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act of 2023 and the compact's alignment with that federal law.
Professional organizations and business groups also voiced support. Doug Smith, executive director of the Kansas Academy of Physician Assistants, emphasized the bill does not expand PAs' scope of practice and preserves state regulatory authority. William Wilk, senior director of government affairs for the Kansas Chamber, said the chamber's military and veteran affairs council recommended support.
Committee members had no recorded questions that led to amendments; the bill had passed the Senate 39-1 before reaching this committee. No committee vote occurred during the hearing.
