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Pennsylvania Joins Interstate Healthcare Compacts

Healthcare professionals collaborating across state lines to enhance care delivery.

News Summary

Pennsylvania has officially entered three interstate healthcare compacts to improve workforce mobility for healthcare professionals. Governor Josh Shapiro announced the Nurse Licensure Compact, Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, and Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing practitioners to work across state lines without recertification. This initiative aims to address healthcare workforce challenges, alleviate staffing shortages, and enhance access to care statewide. The integration of these compacts reflects a proactive approach to modernizing healthcare employment in Pennsylvania, benefiting both professionals and patients.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — Pennsylvania has officially entered three interstate healthcare compacts aimed at improving workforce mobility for healthcare professionals. Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt announced the development on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to address healthcare workforce challenges. The three compacts include the Nurse Licensure Compact, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, and the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing registered healthcare professionals to practice across state lines without the need for recertification.

The decision to fully embrace these compacts comes after persistent advocacy from nursing organizations and legislative support aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility in the state. Currently, Pennsylvania hosts over 300,000 licensed nurses, 65,000 licensed physicians, and 17,000 licensed physical therapists. These compacts are expected to ease workforce shortages and enable practitioners from other states to work in Pennsylvania.

The implementation of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact was initially instigated by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2016, specifically for physicians, while the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact was adopted in 2020. The Nurse Licensure Compact gained traction in 2021. The entry into these agreements establishes Pennsylvania as a participant in enhancing the fluidity of healthcare employment across state lines.

As of now, 41 states have fully participated in the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows nurses to hold a multistate license and practice in various participating states, including via telehealth. Pennsylvania’s limited implementation enables nurses from other compact states to practice without needing state-specific licenses if their main residence is outside Pennsylvania.

The full execution phase is expected to officially commence on July 7, with hopes that the nurses’ compact will create broader opportunities for Pennsylvania’s nursing workforce, especially for those currently enrolled in advanced degree programs. Moreover, health organizations, including hospitals and telehealth providers, anticipate this change will facilitate improvements in staffing and access to care.

Governor Shapiro highlighted his administration’s commitment to reducing bureaucratic delays and enhancing employment opportunities for healthcare professionals. The Shapiro Administration’s undertakings focus on modernizing the nursing licensure processes to ensure equitable access to care, particularly in high-demand regions like the Lehigh Valley and underserved rural areas throughout the state.

Additionally, the legislative support for this initiative is solidified through the enactment of Act 79, which introduces FBI-approved fingerprinting and national background checks in the licensure process. This measure ensures a robust evaluation of candidates, further boosting the credentials of healthcare workers entering the state.

The full integration of the various healthcare compacts aims to address the mounting workforce shortages and improve healthcare delivery across Pennsylvania. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the participation in these compacts illustrates a proactive approach to workforce reform, ultimately benefiting patient access and care quality while reinforcing the medical sector in the state.

In summary, with the state now fully committed to the three compacts, healthcare professionals in Pennsylvania can expect a more flexible working environment that fosters improved collaboration across state lines. It is anticipated that these changes will not only alleviate current workforce deficiencies but also enhance the quality of healthcare services provided throughout the Commonwealth.