Support HB 1917 and HB 1939 –Expanding Licensure Compacts for Physician Assistants and Social Workers

Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors Policy Position
Support HB 1917 and HB 1939 –
Expanding Licensure Compacts for Physician Assistants and Social Workers
January 28, 2025


The Lakewood Chamber Board of Directors strongly supports the passage of House Bill 1917 and House Bill 1939, which would establish licensure compacts for Physician Assistants (PAs) and Clinical Social Workers (CSWs) in Washington State.

Expanding licensure compacts aligns with the Chamber’s commitment to addressing workforce shortages and improving access to critical services. These two bills offer a forward-thinking solution to the growing demand for healthcare and social services professionals in our state by allowing licensed PAs and CSWs from other compact states to practice in Washington without undergoing additional state-specific licensure processes.

Key Benefits of Licensure Compacts:

1. Addressing Workforce Shortages: By facilitating the entry of qualified professionals from other compact states, these bills would help alleviate the pressure on our state’s healthcare and social work systems, which have been stretched thin by rising demand and workforce gaps.

2. Expediting the Licensing Process: These compacts streamline the licensing process, making it faster and more efficient for qualified practitioners to begin working in Washington. This reduces administrative delays and helps meet immediate service needs.

3. Encouraging Mobility and Flexibility: The compacts promote greater workforce mobility, allowing Washington employers to recruit talent from a broader pool of professionals across participating states. This will help meet local and regional needs more effectively.

4. Supporting Economic Growth: By removing barriers to licensure, these bills help attract skilled professionals to Washington, supporting a more dynamic and diverse economy while ensuring our workforce is capable of addressing the growing demand for healthcare and social services.

5. Serving Military Families: Washington’s proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, a large military installation, makes it uniquely positioned to benefit from expanded licensure compacts. Many military spouses, who are highly qualified professionals, face challenges in securing licensure upon relocation. By expanding licensure compacts beyond PAs and CSWs to other professions, Washington could provide a more seamless transition for these individuals, supporting their careers and enhancing the state’s workforce.

Call for Broader Expansion of Licensure Compacts:
In addition to PAs and CSWs, we urge lawmakers to consider expanding licensure compacts to include other professions that are in high demand in our state. This would create greater opportunities for qualified professionals, including military spouses, to work without unnecessary delays or barriers, further benefiting Washington’s economy and addressing critical workforce needs.

In conclusion, the Chamber believes that expanding licensure compacts for PAs and CSWs through House Bill 1917 and House Bill 1939 is a crucial step toward improving access to essential services, enhancing workforce capacity, and supporting economic growth. We also advocate for the continued expansion of licensure compacts to additional professions, particularly those that could directly benefit military families. We urge lawmakers to pass these bills and continue to prioritize policies that reduce regulatory barriers and promote a thriving, adaptable workforce.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is committed to working with policymakers to ensure Washington State remains a leader in fostering an environment that attracts and retains talented professionals to meet the needs of our communities.