In a year of rapid expansion, Michigan became the 29th state to join the PA Licensure Compact after Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bill (HB) 4309 into law on July 22, according to a press release from the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA).

Michigan also became the 8th state this year to expand its laws to allow licensed PAs to practice across state lines, joining Alabama, Arizona, Alaska, Missouri, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and South Dakota.

“By removing burdensome administrative red tape and enabling multi-state license portability, HB 4309 ensures that highly qualified PAs can deliver timely, high-quality care where it is needed most—especially in our rural and medically underserved communities,” Julia Burkhardt, MS, PA-C, the president of the Michigan Academy of Physician Associates, said in the AAPA press release. “Joining this compact not only modernizes our licensure framework and expands telehealth access, but it keeps patient care at the center of everything we do.”

“The enactment of the PA Licensure Compact marks a transformative milestone for healthcare in Michigan,” she added.

In a press release, Governor Whitmer’s office emphasized that the new Michigan law was designed to “make it easier for qualified physician associates from participating states to provide care.” The law was based on the PA Licensure Compact model legislation, which was introduced by the AAPA in November 2022. In March 2023, Utah became the first state to join the Compact. There are now 29 states with laws based on the Compact’s model.

Governor Whitmer noted health care access and affordability were key issues as lawmakers considered joining the Compact – HB 4309 was one of 10 bills signed into law by the governor at the time.

“Getting sick or injured shouldn’t mean going broke,” Governor Whitmer said in the press release. “I’m proud to sign these bills that will lower health care costs and make it easier for Michiganders to receive the care that they need. Over the last seven and a half years, we’ve done a lot to save you money on care; we lowered the cost of prescription drugs, codified the Affordable Care Act in our state, protected Medicaid, and erased nearly $200 million in medical debt. Let’s keep working together to build a healthier, more affordable Michigan.”

The AAPA emphasized the Compact continues “to gain momentum” thanks to the bipartisan efforts in Michigan. The academy expects Michigan-based PAs to gain access to the privileges of the Compact by the middle of 2027.