PA Licensure Compact

The PA Compact is an interstate occupational licensure compact for physician assistants/associates (PAs). The compact facilitates multistate practice for PAs, improves health care access for patients, and enhances public protection.

States joining the compact agree to recognize a valid, unencumbered license issued by another compact member state via a compact privilege. Licensed PAs utilizing the compact can obtain a privilege in each compact member state where they want to practice. Each participating state must enact the same model legislation as other participating states in order to participate in the compact. 

So far 20 states have joined the compact which was activated in 2024 after seven states approved the model legislation. Missouri is one of several states with legislation filed this session in hopes of joining and maximizing PA outreach into the community. 

A commission is actively working on the procedures and infrastructure for the compact, with hopes that the system will be ready for interested PAs in early 2027. 

PAs using a compact privilege must adhere to the laws and regulations of the state in which they are practicing.

To learn more, visit the PA Compact website.