Senate passes Markosek bill to activate multistate compacts in PA
Would provide flexibility for health professionals to work where needed
Rep. Brandon Markosek October 9, 2024 | 3:33 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – The state Senate today unanimously passed legislation authored by state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny, that would help to activate interstate licensure compacts more quickly in Pennsylvania, providing more flexibility for nurses and other health professionals to get to work when and where they are needed.
House Bill 2381 would grant medical licensing boards participating in interstate licensing compacts the ability to issue temporary rules for up to three years while developing permanent regulations. Markosek, who is the vice chair of the House Professional Licensure Committee, said that this legislation aims to address significant delays in implementing these compacts, which are crucial for ensuring the mobility and flexibility of licensed professionals.
“Years of delay have prevented the full implementation of many interstate licensure compacts, leaving professionals and patients without the benefits these agreements offer,” Markosek said. “Interstate compacts provide much-needed flexibility for licensed professionals, enabling them to more easily work where they are needed most. This makes Pennsylvania a more attractive place for professionals in vital fields, like nurses and other health professionals, who are in high demand.”
Markosek added that this legislation will also benefit military families and patients.
“Licensure compacts play an essential role in supporting the mobility of military families and improving continuity of care when patients or providers relocate across state lines,” said Markosek. “This bill is a step forward in ensuring that families in transition, particularly military families, have uninterrupted access to vital healthcare services.”
The legislation returns to the House for a vote on concurrence.
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