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Washington and the PA Licensure Compact

Washington 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 Washington

  • Keep your home-state license in good standing.
  • Confirm current requirements with the Washington 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.

FSMB: contact a state medical board

In this state, in context

BLS OEWS May 2025 annual mean employee wages — physicians, all other: $293,760; nurse practitioners: $152,180; physician assistants: $164,430. 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.

Washington physicians, all other pay · Washington nurse practitioners pay · Washington physician assistants pay · Washington nurse anesthetists pay

Decision checklist for Washington

  • Before planning work in Washington, 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

0 of the 2 bordering states are PA Compact members: none.

  • Idaho — not listed as a member.
  • Oregon — 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.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Is Washington in the PA Compact?

Washington 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.

Can a PA practice in Washington on a compact privilege now?

Per the PA Compact, no states were issuing privileges yet as of August 28, 2026. Confirm with the Washington licensing board.

Which rules apply when practicing in Washington on a privilege?

PAs using a privilege must follow the laws and regulations of the state where they practice, in this case Washington.

How many neighbors of Washington are PA Compact members?

0 of the 2 bordering states are PA Compact members: none.

Can the Washington 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 Washington board’s requirements separately.