Merski secures unanimous committee support for physician assistant compact bill
Rep. Robert Merski October 29, 2025 | 1:44 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 29 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, announced today that his bill, H.B. 1961, was reported out of the House Professional Licensure Committee unanimously. The legislation would authorize Pennsylvania to join a multistate compact to make it easier for physician assistants to practice across state lines and deliver telehealth services to Pennsylvanians.
House Bill 1961 would authorize Pennsylvania to enter the PA Licensure Compact for physician assistants and establish the compact’s framework under state law. The bill would also streamline licensure portability for qualifying physician assistants and reduce redundant licensing applications and wait times.
“Physician assistants are vital to our health care system, providing direct patient care, diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medication, and working in many specialties,” Merski said. “As Pennsylvania faces a shortage of health care professionals, my bill would help attract and retain high-quality providers, expand access to care through telemedicine, and remove unnecessary red tape while preserving strong consumer protections.”
Merski said the compact has already been adopted by 18 states, including Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and Delaware, and that joining would improve continuity of care for patients and create more employment opportunities for physician assistants who want to practice across participating states.
The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.