Healthcare (Medical Licensing)

Relating to the physician assistant licensure compact; to amend and reenact section 43‑17‑01, subsection 1 of section 43‑17‑02.1, and sections 43‑17‑02.2 and 43‑17‑46 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the requirements of physician assistants privileged to practice under the physician assistant licensure compact; and to provide an effective date.

SB 2146 creates North Dakota's participation in an interstate occupational therapy licensure compact. It allows licensed occupational therapists from participating states to practice in North Dakota under a "compact privilege" without needing a separate state license, provided the patient is physically located in North Dakota during care. This mutual recognition improves access to therapy services for patients across state lines while preserving each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public safety. The compact also standardizes how states share disciplinary information and handle complaints between member states.

SB 2270 creates a new licensing pathway for international physicians in North Dakota. It establishes a provisional license allowing foreign-trained doctors to practice temporarily after meeting requirements like passing U.S. medical exams (USMLE), holding ECFMG certification, demonstrating English proficiency, and securing a job offer from a North Dakota healthcare provider. The provisional license automatically converts to full licensure after three years of active practice in the state. This bill directly affects international physicians seeking to practice medicine in North Dakota, streamlining their licensure process while maintaining standards for patient safety and competency.

SB 2223 creates North Dakota's adoption of the Dietitian Licensure Compact, enabling licensed dietitians from participating states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. This directly affects licensed dietitians seeking to work in multiple states and healthcare facilities serving patients in those states. The key mechanism establishes a "compact privilege" that functions like a license in other member states, while requiring uniform education and examination standards and allowing states to share disciplinary information. The compact aims to increase patient access to dietetic services, reduce administrative burdens for professionals and states, and maintain each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public health and safety.

SB 2108 aimed to establish North Dakota as a member of a multi-state compact for physician assistant (PA) licensure. If passed, it would have allowed North Dakota-licensed PAs to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses, directly benefiting PAs seeking to work across state lines and patients in those states. The bill would have created a new chapter (43-17.5) in North Dakota law to implement this compact agreement. However, the bill failed to pass on January 15, 2025, with 0 votes in favor and 47 against.

HB 1039 amends a North Dakota law to clarify which medical professionals can join the state's Physician Health Program. It specifically updates the definition of "licensee" eligible for participation in this program, ensuring only certain licensed healthcare providers qualify. The change directly affects doctors and other medical license holders seeking support for health issues without jeopardizing their licenses. The bill was enacted into law after passing through the state legislature and receiving the governor's signature in March 2025.