Bill seeks multistate license approval for physician assistants in New Mexico

A bill introduced by State Rep. Gail Armstrong to the New Mexico House proposes creating an interstate compact for physician assistant licensure, as published by the New Mexico General Assembly.

Filed as HB 45 during the 57th general assembly on Wednesday, Jan. 7, the measure is officially titled “Physician Assistant Licensure Compact.”

This summary is based directly on the text of the legislation and provides details that clarify its intended impact.

The bill establishes the Physician Assistant Licensure Interstate Compact, permitting physician assistants licensed in one participating state to gain practice privileges in any other member state while remaining under the patient’s state regulations. To qualify, applicants must hold degrees from accredited programs, national certification, and clean backgrounds according to criminal and disciplinary checks. The legislation mandates the formation of a national commission, overseeing common rules, shared data, fee collection, interstate investigations, compliance, and member participation. The compact will become operational when 7 states adopt it.

Armstrong, who sits on the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee, introduced 22 additional bills in the 57th general assembly. She serves on the House Transportation, Public Works & Capital Improvements Committee, House Printing & Supplies Committee, House Rules & Order of Business Committee, Legislative Council Committee, Capitol Buildings Planning Commission Committee, Capitol Security Subcommittee Committee, Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee, and holds advisory positions on the Legislative Education Study Committee, Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee, Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee, Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee, Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee, Transportation Infrastructure Revenue Subcommittee Committee, Water & Natural Resources Committee, and is a designee of the Legislative Finance Committee.

In New Mexico, the legislative process consists of several stages: following its introduction in either legislative chamber, a bill is assigned to a committee, discussed and voted upon in both chambers, and if passed, goes to the governor for signature or veto. The legislative sessions begin on the third Tuesday of January each year, running for 60 days in odd years and 30 days in even years. Many bills are submitted, but few ultimately reach enactment. Find additional information about legislation and procedures here.