Why I Spoke Out in Lansing: The PA Compact Is Critical for Rural Michigan

Why I Spoke Out in Lansing: The PA Compact Is Critical for Rural Michigan
By Jodi L. McCollum, PA-C
Director of Trauma Services, UP Health System – Marquette

May 2, 2025 | Marquette, MI

This week, I had the opportunity to testify before the Michigan House Committee on Rules in support of House Bill 4309, which would allow Michigan to join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. I did so not only as a healthcare professional with 23 years of experience, but as someone who sees firsthand how policy decisions affect access to care for families in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and other rural communities.

There are 256 Health Professional Shortage Areas in Michigan. In many of these places, patients wait weeks—or travel hours—for the care they need. Physician Associates (PAs) are helping to fill the gap in primary care, mental health, and specialty services. But too often, we’re stopped at the state line.

Neighboring states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ohio have already joined the PA Compact. Without it, I can’t legally provide care—even routine labs or prescriptions—to my Michigan patients who travel just across the border. That lack of continuity puts patients at risk, clogs our emergency departments, and drives up costs for everyone.

The PA Compact would fix that by allowing licensed Michigan PAs to practice in other member states without applying for a new license in each one. It would also help bring out-of-state specialty care into underserved Michigan communities like Iron Mountain, Escanaba, and Iron River.

Why This Matters Now

WZMQ News reported on the growing support for House Bill 4309 and covered the energy in Lansing as PAs from across the state came together to support the bill. One of its authors, Representative Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River), said it best:

“That continuity of care, especially for patient outcomes, is critical to their success.”

I couldn’t agree more. In subspecialty care, we talk a lot about eliminating barriers. This compact would eliminate one of the biggest ones I face in rural healthcare—the border itself.

Joining the PA Compact Will:

• Increase access to care in rural and underserved areas

• Ensure continuity of care when patients cross state lines

• Expand access to needed specialties like rheumatology and oncology

Healthcare doesn’t stop at the state line—and neither should access to care.

I’m grateful to the legislators, colleagues, and patients who are standing behind this bill. The PA Compact isn’t just common sense—it’s essential for a healthier Michigan.