PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
PA Compact: states, eligibility, and launch status
The PA Licensure Compact is preparing a privilege pathway for PAs practicing across states. Check membership, expected timing, and the requirements to review before applications open.
Written by Meghan Gilliland, LCSW, LICSW
Updated
CURRENT STATUS
Privileges are not available yet.
- 29 states have enacted the compactThe Commission’s August 28, 2026 update lists 29 members.
- Early 2027 is the projected launchThe schedule depends on data-system development and state readiness.
- Continue using state authorizationMaintain the licenses and approvals you currently need to practice.
IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
When will PA Compact privileges be available?
The PA Compact Commission still projects privileges for early 2027. Its August 2026 update reports that data-system development has been delayed and describes the remaining work to prepare states.
The date is a projection. State membership and an effective compact law do not establish that an individual PA can start practicing under a privilege.
What the compact will provide
An eligible PA will apply for a privilege in each participating state where services will be provided. The pathway uses a qualifying state license and preserves the remote state’s scope-of-practice rules.
This guide is for general education and planning. Confirm current requirements with the relevant licensing boards and official compact sources before applying or providing care.
ENACTED STATES
PA Compact member states
The official membership list includes the following 29 states. Alaska, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island joined in 2026.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Source: PA Compact membership list, checked September 23, 2026. No state is currently issuing compact privileges.
The Commission lists Alabama’s compact-law effective date as October 1, 2026, and Michigan’s as October 20, 2026. These are legislative dates, not dates when PAs can begin using privileges.
ELIGIBILITY
What PAs should review before applying
The compact model law and adopted privilege rule set the requirements. Use the official application instructions when the Commission opens the process.
Qualifying state license
Hold an unrestricted PA license from a participating state. The compact uses that license as the basis for privileges elsewhere.
Education and certification
Meet the approved PA-program requirement and maintain current NCCPA certification. Review Commission rules for any recognized education alternatives.
Background and license history
Review the compact’s limits involving convictions, controlled-substance credentials, and adverse license actions. The qualifying state must complete the required criminal background-check process.
Remote-state requirements
Complete any required jurisprudence exam and pay applicable fees. Follow the state’s scope, supervision or collaboration, and prescribing requirements.
PSYCHIATRIC PA PRACTICE
Telehealth and prescribing under a future privilege
Once available, a PA Compact privilege can support telehealth in the state where the patient is located. The PA must follow that state’s practice laws.
For PAs working in psychiatry, review the scope of medication-management services and any required supervision or collaboration arrangement.
Check prescribing separately
A PA seeking controlled-substance prescribing authority must satisfy the remote state’s requirements. Review federal DEA requirements and the rules for the intended medication as well.
See the shared prescriber guidance for the current federal telemedicine update.
COSTS AND MAINTENANCE
PA Compact fees, CME, and renewals
The official FAQ says compact privilege costs will be set during implementation. A final fee schedule is not provided there yet.
- Application costs
- Plan for Commission and state privilege fees, plus any required jurisprudence fee. Confirm the published amounts before applying.
- Continuing education
- Maintain the CME required by your qualifying-license state and current NCCPA certification. The compact FAQ does not require extra CME credits for each privilege state.
- Keeping privileges active
- Maintain your qualifying license and compact eligibility. Review the Commission’s renewal instructions and any remote-state practice requirements.
PREPARING FOR LAUNCH
What PAs can do now
Prepare your records while continuing to use your current state licenses.
- Check your qualifying state.Confirm whether the state where you hold an unrestricted PA license is a compact member. Follow its board’s implementation notices.
- Review your eligibility.Keep certification, license verification, and education records current. Review any issue in your professional history against the official compact requirements.
- Plan for each remote state.Check scope, prescribing, supervision or collaboration, and jurisprudence requirements for the states where you want to work.
- Wait for an issued privilege.Apply when the Commission announces availability. Keep necessary licenses active until replacement authorization has been approved.
COMMON QUESTIONS
PA Compact FAQs
Is the PA Compact live yet?
No compact privileges are being issued as of September 23, 2026. The Commission projects availability in early 2027, subject to implementation progress.
Does one privilege cover every compact state?
No. PAs will need a separate compact privilege for each participating state where they provide services.
Can a PA use a future privilege for telehealth?
Yes, once the privilege is available and issued. Services must follow the laws of the state where the patient is physically located.
Does the compact remove supervision or collaboration requirements?
No. PAs must follow the practice requirements of the state where they provide care, including applicable supervision, collaboration, and prescribing rules.
Can I let my other PA licenses expire now?
Maintain the authorization needed for your current practice. Compact privileges are not available yet. Consider replacing a state license only after a suitable privilege has been approved.
How much will a PA Compact privilege cost?
The official FAQ says costs will be determined during implementation. Review the final Commission and state fee schedule when applications open.
FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
Make your practice locations easier to find.
List your current licensed states and medication-management services on Therapy Expanded. Connect with clients and referral partners seeking care across state lines.
SOURCE LINKS
Official PA Compact resources
Status and membership
Eligibility and privileges
Telehealth and prescribing
CONTINUE EXPLORING
Related Therapy Expanded guides
Compare licensing pathways and review shared prescribing considerations.
Review eligibility, fees, and applications for individual medical licenses.
Understand RN, APRN, and prescribing requirements.
Find compact and portability guides for other professions.
Plan for care when your appointment location changes.