Physician assistant scope of practice

Expands what pharmacists in Alaska can prescribe and test for (including medications for opioid use disorder and treatment for minor conditions), renames the 'physician assistant' license to 'physician associate,' and updates pharmacist reciprocity and collaborative-practice rules. Governor Dunleavy vetoed the bill, citing concerns about expanding pharmacist authority too quickly, but the legislature overrode the veto 43-17.

Would enter Alaska into the multistate Nurse Licensure Compact, letting registered and licensed practical nurses with a compact-state license practice in Alaska without obtaining a separate state license. Supported by hospitals and the state nursing board but opposed by nursing unions; the bill (and companion HB 131) remained pending in committee as of late 2026, and Alaska has not yet joined the compact.

Would require health insurers to reimburse telehealth visits at the same rate as comparable in-person visits and extend Medicaid telehealth payment parity rules that were otherwise set to expire. The bill passed the Senate 14-6 in May 2025 but was still being amended in House committee as of mid-2026, including changes to the sunset date and a geographic pay differential for out-of-state providers.