Wisconsin is Moving Forward with Changes Making it Easier for People to Get Professional Licenses Valid in Multiple States

Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 -- 8:00 AM

(Sarah Leher with Wisconsin Public Radio) Wisconsin is moving forward with changes that would make it easier for people to get professional licenses that are valid in multiple states.

According to Sarah Leher with Wisconsin Public Radio, last week, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill into law that makes Wisconsin the third state to join an interstate credentialing agreement for physician assistants.

Once at least four more states sign on, the compact would allow Wisconsin PAs to apply to practice in any of the states that belong to the compact. Supporters say the changes would streamline credentialing for providers who move, practice travel medicine, or for those who live in border communities.

The compact could be especially helpful for PAs who treat people via telehealth, said Meghan Pudeler, a lobbyist for the American Academy of Physician Assistants. "PAs can really move a little bit more quickly, which can help with the continuity of care," she said.

"So if a patient is to move outside of Wisconsin, a PA in Wisconsin could utilize the compact to apply for a privilege, say, in Minnesota, if Minnesota was to enact the compact."

Utah and Delaware joined the physician assistants licensing compact earlier this year, and bills are pending to expand membership to Ohio, Michigan and New York, according to the AAPA.

Also last week, Evers signed legislation to have Wisconsin join similar agreements for licensing professional counselors and speech-language pathologists. Other Wisconsin licensing bills are pending, including proposals to join interstate credentialing compacts for social workers, dentists and dental hygienists.

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