PA Compact Update: Montana Joins PA Licensure Compact with Passage of HB 183

Reprinted from AAPA News Central

April 10, 2025

Montana is the latest state to join the PA Licensure Compact, following Governor Greg Gianforte’s signing of HB 183 on April 3. With this legislation, Montana becomes the 15th state to adopt the compact, which is designed to enhance practice mobility for PAs across state lines.

Montana Academy of Physician Assistants (MTAPA) applauded the passage of HB 183, stating: “The signing of the PA Compact bill is a major step forward for healthcare in Montana, particularly for our rural communities. By streamlining licensure, this legislation enables PAs to practice more easily across state lines, helping to address the critical shortage of healthcare providers in underserved areas. We thank the Montana legislature, Governor Gianforte, and all advocates who supported this effort. This compact strengthens our healthcare workforce and ensures that more Montanans receive the care they need, when and where they need it.”

The PA Licensure Compact allows qualified PAs to apply for a single compact privilege that grants them the ability to practice in any participating state. This streamlined process eliminates the need for multiple state licenses, making it easier for PAs to serve patients in more areas. Montana joins a growing list of states that have already approved the compact, including Delaware, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Nebraska, Virginia, Oklahoma, Maine, Colorado, Tennessee, Minnesota, Ohio, and Arkansas.

The compact is now in the process of being operationalized, which will take anywhere from 18 to 24 months. Once operationalized, eligible PAs can then complete a single application to receive a compact privilege (which is equivalent to a license) from each compact state in which they intend to practice.

To learn more about the PA Licensure Compact, visit this AAPA page here.

If you would like to advocate for the PA Compact in your state or more information of where your state may be in this process, contact your state chapter or your AAPA state liaison.

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Thank you to Representative Jodee Etchart, PA, HD51, for sponsoring this bill and advocating for PAs.