Burgos praises Pennsylvania action to expand access to healthcare and address staffing shortages
Rep. Danilo Burgos July 7, 2025 | 2:40 PM
HARRISBURG, July 7 – State Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Phila., said Pennsylvania today became a full participant in three health care compacts that promote flexibility for qualified medical professionals.
Doctors, nurses and physical therapists who live in Pennsylvania can now apply to care for patients in more than 30 states and U.S. territories under the compacts announced by the Shapiro administration in late June.
“Doctors, nurses and physical therapists are the heartbeat of our health care system,” said Burgos. “This interstate health compact is an important development to expand health care access and reduce administrative hurdles for our licensed providers.”
Interstate compacts are agreements among states that allow licensed health care professionals to practice in multiple jurisdictions without having to obtain a separate license for each state. For Pennsylvania, the compacts will:
- Authorize Pennsylvania-licensed physicians, nurses and physical therapists to practice in other compact-member states.
- Simplify the process for out-of-state professionals licensed in compact states to deliver care within Pennsylvania.
- Help address staffing shortages by promoting greater mobility of health care professionals across state boarders.
“These compacts help ensure patients have access to quality care regardless of their location. By recognizing licenses across state lines, we’re addressing staffing shortages and improving health care access in underserved areas,” Burgos said.
Nurses can apply for the Nurse Licensure Compact here. Full video guides on how to apply can be found here.
Doctors can apply for their Interstate Medical License Compact here, and physical therapists can apply for the Physical Therapy Compact here.