§ 90-270.201.  (Effective April 1, 2026) Definitions.

The following definitions apply in this Compact:

(1) Adverse Action. - Any administrative, civil, equitable, or criminal action permitted by a State's laws which is imposed by a Licensing Board or other authority against a PA License or License application or Compact Privilege such as License denial, censure, revocation, suspension, probation, monitoring of the Licensee, or restriction on the Licensee's practice.

(2) Compact Privilege. - The authorization granted by a Remote State to allow a Licensee from another Participating State to practice as a PA to provide Medical Services and other licensed activity to a patient located in the Remote State under the Remote State's laws and regulations.

(3) Conviction. - A finding by a court that an individual is guilty of a felony or misdemeanor offense through adjudication or entry of a plea of guilt or no contest to the charge by the offender.

(4) Criminal Background Check. - The submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information for a License applicant for the purpose of obtaining that applicant's criminal history record information, as defined in 28 C.F.R. § 20.3(d), from the State's criminal history record repository, as defined in 28 C.F.R. § 20.3(f).

(5) Data System. - The repository of information about Licensees, including, but not limited to, License status and Adverse Actions, which is created and administered under the terms of this Compact.

(6) Executive Committee. - A group of directors and ex officio individuals elected or appointed pursuant to G.S. 90-270.206(f)(2).

(7) Impaired Practitioner. - A PA whose practice is adversely affected by health-related condition(s) that impact their ability to practice.

(8) Investigative Information. - Information, records, or documents received or generated by a Licensing Board pursuant to an investigation.

(9) Jurisprudence Requirement. - The assessment of an individual's knowledge of the laws and Rules governing the practice of a PA in a State.

(10) License. - Current authorization by a State, other than authorization pursuant to a Compact Privilege, for a PA to provide Medical Services, which would be unlawful without current authorization.

(11) Licensee. - An individual who holds a License from a State to provide Medical Services as a PA.

(12) Licensing Board. - Any State entity authorized to license and otherwise regulate PAs.

(13) Medical Services. - Health care services provided for the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, cure, or relief of a health condition, injury, or disease, as defined by a State's laws and regulations.

(14) Model Compact. - The model for the PA Licensure Compact on file with The Council of State Governments or other entity as designated by the Commission.

(15) Participating State. - A State that has enacted this Compact.

(16) PA. - An individual who is licensed as a physician assistant in a State. For purposes of this Compact, any other title or status adopted by a State to replace the term "physician assistant" shall be deemed synonymous with "physician assistant" and shall confer the same rights and responsibilities to the Licensee under the provisions of this Compact at the time of its enactment.

(17) PA Licensure Compact Commission, Compact Commission, or Commission. - The national administrative body created pursuant to G.S. 90-270.206(a) of this Compact.

(18) Qualifying License. - An unrestricted License issued by a Participating State to provide Medical Services as a PA.

(19) Remote State. - A Participating State where a Licensee who is not licensed as a PA is exercising or seeking to exercise the Compact Privilege.

(20) Rule. - A regulation promulgated by an entity that has the force and effect of law.

(21) Significant Investigative Information. - Investigative Information that a Licensing Board, after an inquiry or investigation that includes notification and an opportunity for the PA to respond if required by State law, has reason to believe is not groundless and, if proven true, would indicate more than a minor infraction.

(22) State. - Any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States.  (2025-37, s. 4(a).)