AUGUSTA - Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, introduced legislation Tuesday that would add Maine to the Compact for Licensing Physician Assistants (PAs), which would allow licensed PAs to practice in member states without having to obtain a new license for each state.
"By joining the compact, we are welcoming qualified PAs to move to Maine and more easily practice here," said Cloutier. "Our state's health care workforce crisis is currently worsening. I brought LD 2043 forward because I recognize the potential that Maine has in being one of the first seven states to join, which would give us the opportunity to build systems and structures that effectively meet our unique needs as a rural state and better serve our communities.
Similar interstate compact legislation has been passed in Delaware, Utah and Wisconsin, and is pending in Washington, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Vermont and New Hampshire. Once seven states have enacted this legislation, the compact will take effect, allowing PAs a path forward to practice more independently.
The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.
Cloutier is the Assistant House Majority Leader and is currently serving her third consecutive term in the Maine House of Representatives. She represents House District 94, which includes part of Lewiston, her hometown.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Cloutier], 305-965-2744