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Following Unanimous Legislative Support, Alabama Joins the PA Licensure Compact as the 24th State

March 18, 2026

Gov. Ivey signs HB 156 on March 17.

Alabama lawmakers have taken steps to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce and improve patient access to care by passing HB 156, paving the way for Alabama’s more than 1,400 PAs to participate in the PA Licensure Compact.

The bill, championed by the Alabama Society of PAs (ASPA) and sponsored by Rep. Paul Lee (R-Dothan), passed the Senate and House unanimously (27–0 and 101–0, respectively) before being signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on March 17. Through the enactment of HB 156, Alabama became the 24th state to join the PA Licensure Compact.

“We were strategic in our advocacy efforts, focusing on coalition-building, consistent engagement with lawmakers, and clear communication about the impact of HB 156,” said ASPA President Bonnie Minton, MHS, PA-C. “Through collaboration with physician partners and support from hospitals across the state, we shared real stories from the field and maintained a steady, professional presence throughout the legislative process.”

ASPA at the capitol.

The PA Licensure Compact creates a streamlined pathway for PAs to practice in multiple participating states without needing to undergo duplicative, state-by-state licensure processes.

By reducing these administrative barriers while maintaining strong standards for both licensure and patient safety, the PA Licensure Compact supports a more flexible healthcare workforce that can better respond to patient needs, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to care may be limited.

With Alabama’s addition as the 24th state, the PA Licensure Compact continues to gain traction nationwide. As more states join, PAs will be better positioned to deliver timely, high-quality care across state lines, helping to ensure patients can access the care they need, when and where they need it most.

 

 

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