Alaska Academy of PAs

Dear AKAPA Members,

We are excited to share three important pieces of legislation affecting Alaska PAs have now passed and represent significant progress for our profession and the patients we serve.

These legislative successes would not have been possible without the dedication, advocacy, and engagement of Alaska PAs across the state. This has been a labor of love and tears and has been in the making for many years. Thank you to those who had the vision before “modernization” was even a movement. Thank you to those that came before and had the insight to do amazing things like secure a seat on the medical board that regulates us. Thank you to those that pushed for updated regulations over the last 10 years. Thank you to AAPA for funding this effort when our organization could not. And last but not least, Thank you to everyone who testified, contacted legislators, attended meetings, and supported these specific recent efforts.
Alaskan PAs Rock!

SB 89 PA Modernization Act

SB 89 is now law and represents the most significant modernization of PA practice in Alaska in decades. Most importantly, SB 89 codifies PAs in Alaska statute for the first time, providing long-term stability and recognition for our profession. It secures our scope of practice based on our education, training, and experience. And importantly, improved practice flexibility in designated healthcare settings.

Important: SB 89 Does NOT Take Effect Until September 16, 2026

At this time, Alaska PAs must continue practicing under current law and regulations.

The Alaska State Medical Board has not yet updated regulations or established implementation processes required under SB 89.

Please continue to maintain all required collaborative agreements and practice arrangements currently required under Alaska law until further guidance is issued.

Under SB 89, certain facility-based settings will no longer require formal collaborative agreements once the law becomes effective and implementing regulations are in place. These facilities include:

MD/DO/DPM directed medical practices
Healthcare facility licensed by the department of health
Healthcare facility operated by the federal government or a tribal organization (as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304)
Federally qualified health center or rural health clinic
Military or veterans’ facility
Additionally, SB 89 creates a pathway for experienced PAs practicing outside of these facilities to apply for an exemption from collaborative agreement requirements. However, the Alaska State Medical Board has not yet established the application process or requirements for obtaining these exemptions.

AKAPA is actively involved in this process and is monitoring implementation efforts and will keep members informed as regulations, forms, and procedures are developed.

HB 110 PA Licensure Compact

HB 110 has also been signed into law, making Alaska a member of the PA Licensure Compact.

The Compact will eventually allow eligible PAs to obtain privileges to practice in participating Compact states through a streamlined process.

Implementation will take time as both the national Compact Commission and the Alaska State Medical Board work through the administrative requirements necessary before privileges can be issued.

We encourage members to watch for updates from both AKAPA and the Alaska State Medical Board. As additional information becomes available regarding timelines and application procedures, we will share those updates with our membership.

HB 195 PA Title Change

HB 195 includes the official Alaska transition from Physician Assistant to Physician Associate.

This change aligns Alaska with the national title adopted by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) and reflects the modern role of our profession.

The bill is currently completing final legal processing. While the effective date has not yet been formally published, we anticipate it will become effective on September 16, 2026, alongside SB 89. We will provide confirmation once the final effective date is established.

Looking Ahead

While we celebrate these historic accomplishments, implementation work is just beginning. AKAPA will continue working closely with the Alaska State Medical Board and other stakeholders to ensure members receive timely and accurate information regarding:

SB 89 implementation and regulatory updates
Exemption application processes
PA Compact implementation
Physician Associate title change implementation
Effective dates and compliance requirements
Thank you for your continued support of AKAPA and for everything you do to improve access to healthcare across Alaska.

Together, we have achieved a historic year for Alaska PAs.

Sincerely,

The Alaska Academy of PAs

Exciting times for Alaska PAs! 🌟

Three Landmark Bills to Modernize PA Practice and Expand Access to Care Become Law in Alaska In less than a week, Alaska took several significant steps forward in modernizing PA practice in the state through passage of SB 89, HB 110, and HB 195, marking an exciting moment for the PA profession and for Alaska’s patients.

Exciting times for Alaska PAs!

Congratulations to all Alaskan PAs and Thank You to AKAPA & AAPA for making this happen!

What a day to be and Alaskan PA!
Alaska embraces Physician Associate title.
Thank you Representative PA Gray for making this happen! 🙏

Advocacy Meeting Update: Senate Bill 89 (SB89) has officially passed both the House and Senate and is now headed to the governor’s desk for signature. This marks a major milestone in modernizing physician assistant (PA) practice and improving access to care across Alaska.

SB89 is designed to:

* Modernize outdated statutes (many dating back to the 1970s)
* Allow PAs to practice at the top of their education, training, and experience
* Streamline collaborative agreements and reduce administrative burden
* Ensure continued oversight through the State Medical Board
* Protect against unnecessary insurance restrictions on PA practice

⸻

What happens next?

Learn more at our Advocacy Meeting Fridays!

🗓 Fridays
⏰ 7:00–7:30 AM Alaska Time
💻 Zoom (Weekly Meeting)

👉 Join here:
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/88068619531?pwd=7Py1ogKwpnLR3wHLmnPLbUpSxfNvGC.1

📣 Happy Alaska PA Spirit Day! 🎉

Today we celebrate the incredible Alaska PAs who serve our communities with compassion, expertise, and dedication. We are proud of our profession and our commitment to advocacy, community engagement, and lifelong learning.

Thank you to every PA across Alaska for the difference you make every day. Together, we continue to strengthen our profession and improve healthcare for Alaskans.

💙 Proud Alaska PAs. Proud of our past. Excited for our future.