AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services unanimously advanced legislation sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, that would add Maine to the Compact for Licensing Physician Assistants (PAs).
The bill would allow licensed PAs to practice in member states without having to obtain a new license for each state. Once seven states have enacted this legislation, the compact will take effect, allowing qualified PAs a path forward to practice with less administrative hurdles.
"Maine is in need of more health care workers, and LD 2043 will help qualified PAs enter our workforce more easily," said Cloutier. "This bill offers us a solution to attract PAs by allowing them to obtain a privilege in each compact member state where they want to practice."
The bill faces votes in the House and Senate in the coming days.
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 her hometown of Lewiston.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Cloutier], 305-965-2744