Is Rhode Island in the PA Compact?
Rhode Island is listed by the PA Compact as a member state (as of August 28, 2026). Check pacompact.org for current status; this page is not updated automatically.
Rhode Island and the PA Licensure Compact
Rhode Island is listed by the PA Compact as a member state (as of August 28, 2026). Per the PA Compact, no states were issuing privileges yet at that date.
PA Compact facts
- PA Compact status
- Listed by the PA Compact as a member state (as of August 28, 2026)
- Privileges
- Per the PA Compact, no states were issuing privileges yet at that date
Check pacompact.org for current status; this page is not updated automatically.
What a PA should do for Rhode Island
- Keep your home-state license in good standing.
- Confirm current requirements with the Rhode Island licensing board.
- Check pacompact.org for current compact status.
The FSMB directory is only a starting point for finding a board: it lists medical boards, so PAs should confirm which board licenses PAs in that state.
Decision checklist for Rhode Island
- Start with current privilege availability, not the member label for Rhode Island.
- Take the home-state license record to the board and confirm it is valid and unencumbered for the proposed route.
- Ask how Rhode Island laws and regulations apply to the intended clinical work.
The hub’s dated statement says no states were actively issuing privileges yet. Confirm current availability rather than treating a member listing as a permission to start.
Find your state board (FSMB directory) — this directory lists medical boards; confirm which board licenses PAs.
Neighbors
1 of the 2 bordering states are PA Compact members: Connecticut.
- Connecticut — member.
- Massachusetts — not listed as a member.
The count is the number of named qualifying neighbors out of all listed land/river neighbors. Open-water-only and point-only contacts are excluded; a neighboring status does not grant practice authority here.
In this state, in context
BLS OEWS May 2025 annual mean employee wages — physicians, all other: $236,360; nurse practitioners: $143,150; physician assistants: $146,630. The physician row is the broad “physicians, all other” category, not an average for all physicians or a particular specialty. These are employee wage estimates, not total compensation or contract rates.
Rhode Island physicians, all other pay · Rhode Island nurse practitioners pay · Rhode Island physician assistants pay
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Can a PA practice in Rhode Island on a compact privilege now?
Per the PA Compact, no states were issuing privileges yet as of August 28, 2026. Confirm with the Rhode Island licensing board.
Which rules apply when practicing in Rhode Island on a privilege?
PAs using a privilege must follow the laws and regulations of the state where they practice, in this case Rhode Island.
How many neighbors of Rhode Island are PA Compact members?
1 of the 2 bordering states are PA Compact members: Connecticut.
Can the Rhode Island wage links establish permission to practice?
No. The linked BLS state wage estimates describe employee wages, not licensing, compact privileges or prescribing authority. Confirm the Rhode Island board’s requirements separately.