The state House of Representatives recently advanced two bills that would make it easier for healthcare professionals to receive interstate licensure.
House Bill 862 would authorize Pennsylvania to join the Physical Therapist Licensure Compact. Joining would reduce licensure barriers for military spouses and enhance license portability to provide physical therapy services. Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-Delaware) sponsored the bill.
House Bill 2584 would clarify the requirements for sharing information raised by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. This would allow Pennsylvania to fully participate in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Act 112 of 2016 authorized the state to join the compact. Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford) sponsored the bill.
Act 112 of 2016 was intended to streamline the licensing process for licensed physicians looking to practice in the state. Since Gov. Tom Wolf signed the bill into law, health care has changed. Patients are increasingly using telemedicine, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this means patients often are seeking out health care professionals who are located outside their geographic area.
The bills have the support of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. The organization supports legislation that increases access to care for patients.
The bills move to the Senate for consideration.