Kansas Academy of Physician Associates (KAPA) Introduces Legislation to Join National Physician Assistant Licensure Compact

Update - Thursday (2/13/25) the Kansas House of Representatives Committee on Health and Human Services advanced HB 2219 to the House floor for further  consideration. The full House will likely debate the measure next week.

Update - Tuesday (2/11/25) the Kansas Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare advanced SB 126 to the Senate floor for further consideration. The full Senate will likely debate the measure next week.

Previous -

The Kansas Academy of Physician Associates (KAPA) has introduced Senate Bill No. 126, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at joining the national Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. This compact is a major step forward in improving healthcare access, enhancing workforce mobility, and ensuring better patient outcomes across Kansas.

By adopting the Physician Assistant (PA) Compact, Kansas will streamline the process for attracting highly qualified healthcare professionals who wish to relocate to the state or expand patient services. This legislation will provide Kansas PAs with the flexibility to practice across state lines without the need for multiple state licenses, ultimately increasing the availability of skilled providers in underserved and rural areas.

The Kansas Senate’s Committee on Public Health and Welfare will hold a public hearing on Senate Bill No. 126 on Monday, February 10th, in Topeka.

In addition, the Kansas House of Representative’s Committee on Health and Human Services will conduct a hearing on Thursday, February 12th, for an identical measure, House Bill No. 2219.

KAPA will provide testimony in strong support of both pieces of legislation, emphasizing the legislation’s importance in addressing the healthcare needs of Kansas residents.

Passing this legislation will allow Kansas to join the 13 states already participating in the PA Compact, with at least ten other states currently considering joining the initiative. The compact facilitates greater workforce mobility, helping to recruit and retain top talent and improve access to care, especially in areas that face healthcare shortages.

Please consider reaching out to your local legislators or members of the Senate and House committees and ask them to support SB 126 and HB 2219.

Use the search tool on this page to find your legislator.

For more information about the PA Compact and its benefits, please visit pacompact.org.

Thank you for all you do for your patients and our profession—we’re honored to represent you.

All the best,

Hillary Lewia, DMSc, PA-C

President, Kansas Academy of Physician Associates

 

______________________________________________ 

Sample email message

 

Subject: Request for Support of the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact (SB 126 or HB 2219)

 

Dear [Legislator's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am a Physician Assistant practicing in [insert city/county] and I am writing to respectfully ask for your support of the Physician Assistant (PA) Licensure Compact (insert appropriate bill number), an important piece of legislation that would significantly benefit our healthcare system and the patients we serve.

[you can insert a paragraph about yourself and your practice]

The PA Compact is an interstate agreement that allows qualified PAs a privilege to practice in participating states under their home state license. This compact is a crucial step forward in further improving healthcare access, enhancing workforce mobility, and ensuring better patient outcomes.

States and physician assistants performing under the PA Compact must meet specific conditions outlined in the compact to participate in the compact. It is important to note, the PA Compact does not alter or extend the scope of practice for PAs practicing in Kansas. The PA Compact also preserves the existing state control of a PA’s practice, collaboration/supervision requirements, prescribing authority, and initial licensure system.

By supporting the PA Compact, you would help streamline licensure processes, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure that highly trained healthcare professionals can more easily provide care across state lines. 

I sincerely hope you will lend your voice to this effort by supporting [insert appropriate bill number].

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be happy to provide any additional information or answer any questions you may have.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Address]