Is Tennessee in the PA Compact?
Tennessee 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.
Tennessee and the PA Licensure Compact
Tennessee 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 Tennessee
- Keep your home-state license in good standing.
- Confirm current requirements with the Tennessee 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.
In this state, in context
BLS OEWS May 2025 annual mean employee wages — physicians, all other: $312,220; nurse practitioners: $115,510; physician assistants: $117,300. 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.
Tennessee physicians, all other pay · Tennessee nurse practitioners pay · Tennessee physician assistants pay · Tennessee nurse anesthetists pay
Decision checklist for Tennessee
- Before planning work in Tennessee, distinguish joining the compact from opening its privilege process.
- Verify that the license you propose to use is valid and unencumbered.
- Review the destination state’s practice rules with the board rather than importing your home-state rules.
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
5 of the 8 bordering states are PA Compact members: Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia.
- Alabama — member.
- Arkansas — member.
- Georgia — not listed as a member.
- Kentucky — not listed as a member.
- Mississippi — not listed as a member.
- Missouri — member.
- North Carolina — member.
- Virginia — 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.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Can a PA practice in Tennessee on a compact privilege now?
Per the PA Compact, no states were issuing privileges yet as of August 28, 2026. Confirm with the Tennessee licensing board.
Which rules apply when practicing in Tennessee on a privilege?
PAs using a privilege must follow the laws and regulations of the state where they practice, in this case Tennessee.
How many neighbors of Tennessee are PA Compact members?
5 of the 8 bordering states are PA Compact members: Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia.
Can the Tennessee 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 Tennessee board’s requirements separately.