The House Health and Human Services Committee advanced House Bill 413 to make New Mexico a member of the Physician Assistant (PA) Licensure Compact, a mutual-recognition interstate licensure agreement designed to make it easier for licensed PAs in compact states to practice across state lines.

Supporters included the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, the Department of Defense State Liaison Office, Council of State Governments legal counsel for the compact, and local business groups. Nahali Kalfas (Council of State Governments) described the compact as a mutual-recognition model that has met the threshold for a commission and urged New Mexico to "be at the table" with the first states to join. The Department of Defense witness said compact licensure helps military spouses sustain licensed careers by reducing licensure delays across moves.

Adrian Gomez of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce said the compact would allow licensed providers from other states to deliver care in New Mexico, including by telehealth, and could encourage some providers to relocate to the state. Think New Mexico's witness said compacts are not a full solution but remove a barrier to recruiting health-care workers.

A committee member raised concerns about interstate compacts and potential implications for reproductive- and gender-affirming care; Representative Anaya asked for amendments in previous compacts to protect New Mexico's laws, noting national controversy over compacts in some contexts. The hearing did not record a formal amendment addressing that concern. There was no recorded opposition and the committee gave the bill a do pass recommendation (reported 7-0).