SB101

Senate Bill 101 seeks to enact the Physician Assistant (PA) Licensure Compact in Arkansas. The primary purpose of this compact is to enhance the portability of PA licenses across participating states, allowing qualified physician assistants to practice in multiple states under a common set of standards and a centralized data system. The bill outlines the specific requirements for states to participate, including the maintenance of criminal background check mechanisms, complaint investigation procedures, and adherence to compact rules. It also establishes strict eligibility criteria for PAs to exercise the 'compact privilege,' such as holding a current national certification, having no history of felony or misdemeanor convictions, and maintaining an unrestricted license in their home state. The compact is designed to facilitate medical service delivery and reduce professional burdens, specifically mentioning the easing of licensing hurdles for military personnel and their spouses. The bill preserves the jurisdiction of individual state licensing boards to discipline PAs practicing within their borders, regardless of where the provider is licensed.