Senate committee advances amendment to let physician associates join interstate licensure compact
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Summary
The EDNA committee heard sponsor Sen. David Rochefort and health‑sector witnesses support a replace‑all amendment to Senate Bill 425 to have New Hampshire join the multistate PA compact, highlighting rural access and federal grant competitiveness; committee moved the amendment out by voice vote.
Sen. David Rochefort introduced a replace‑all, non‑germane amendment (2,579s) to Senate Bill 425 that would allow physician associates (PAs) in New Hampshire to participate in the multistate PA Compact, a mutual‑recognition licensure agreement used by other professions.
Rochefort told the committee the change is primarily a workforce measure, intended to make it easier for PAs to practice across state lines and to strengthen recruitment and retention in rural areas. "This amendment would have New Hampshire join the multistate physician associate licensure compact," he said during his remarks.
Michael Bartlett of the American Academy of PAs described how the compact operates and its benefits, saying it "facilitates interstate practice" through a compact privilege issued by a central commission and preserves state licensure authority while streamlining portability. Bartlett noted the compact is enacted in 21 states and that it enables shared disciplinary data to enhance public safety.
Patricia (Tricia) Tilly, associate commissioner at the Department of Health and Human Services, and David Chorney from the governor's office explained the amendment's connection to the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. DHHS told the committee that adopting the compact would improve the state's competitiveness for discretionary grant points tied to workforce and streamlined licensure commitments; DHHS said CMS set an implementation deadline of 2027‑12‑31 for states receiving related scoring benefits.
After testimony and brief questions, Senator McGough moved to move the amendment out of committee (motion moved, seconded), and the committee registered a voice vote in favor.
Why it matters: supporters said the compact reduces the administrative burden of holding multiple state licenses, improves continuity of care for patients who travel or relocate, and helps attract and retain PAs—especially in rural parts of New Hampshire. Opponents did not offer sustained opposition during the hearing; technical questions were referred to the PA representatives.
Next steps: The committee moved the amendment by voice vote out of EDNA for further consideration; any subsequent floor action will be determined by the Senate calendar.
