July 07, 2025 - York, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro joined Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt, health care leaders, and lawmakers at WellSpan Education Center in York to announce that Pennsylvania is now a full participant in three health care licensure compacts that make it easier for qualified doctors, nurses, and physical therapists to provide care across state lines.Instead of requiring months to complete the full licensure process, as a result of full compact participation, out-of-state practitioners are now able to contribute to Pennsylvania's health care workforce within days - helping to meet critical staffing needs and improve access to care. This milestone builds on the Shapiro Administration's work to reduce barriers, cut red tape, and meet the needs of the Commonwealth's critical health care workforce.Starting today, Pennsylvania's full participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), and Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PT Compact) gives more than 300,000 nurses, nearly 65,000 doctors, and more than 17,000 physical therapists additional flexibility to practice in dozens of states - while also allowing licensed providers from other states to work in Pennsylvania. As states across the country face critical health care workforce shortages, the Shapiro Administration is breaking down barriers to encourage more doctors, nurses, and physical therapists to practice in Pennsylvania."Thanks to the diligent, continuous hard work of the Department of State - and the support of bipartisan leaders in the House and Senate - we've finally leveled the playing field for doctors, nurses, and physical therapists in Pennsylvania," said Governor Shapiro. "We listened to nurses, doctors, and lawmakers who called on us to fully implement these health care compacts, and we got it done. At a time when Pennsylvania is facing real health care worker shortages - from hospitals to home care - this move will make it easier to attract and retain qualified professionals and help fill critical gaps in care across the Commonwealth."Speaker list:Patty Donley, Senior VP & Chief Nursing Executive, Wellspan HealthGovernor Josh ShapiroSecretary Al Schmidt, PA Dept. of StateStephanie Watkins, Senior VP of Advocacy and Policy, Hospital and Healthsystem Association of PennsylvaniaHollis King, Student, Jersey College School of Nursing at Wellspan HealthRepresentative Frank Burns, Chairman of the PA House Professional Licensure Committee
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