What Alaska PA Practice Modernization (SB89) Changes for PAs

Updated

Alaska's PA practice modernization law, SB89, changes how physician assistants (PAs) in Alaska are regulated, moving away from the state's prior collaboration-plan framework. The most important date to remember is 9/16/2026 — that is the law's effective date. Until then, AKAPA advises PAs to keep their current collaboration plans in place, even if they work in organizations listed under the new law. The Alaska State Medical Board is still developing the application process for the exemption available to experienced PAs, and AKAPA says it will post updates as those procedures are established.

What changes, and when

Item Status per AKAPA
Effective date of the law 9/16/2026
Current collaboration plans Continue to keep them in place until 9/16/2026
Exemption for experienced PAs Application process being developed by the state medical board; updates to follow
Implementation guidance SB89 implementation slides available; Friday morning advocacy meetings open for questions

The practical takeaway: nothing about your existing collaboration arrangement changes before 9/16/2026. The shift applies on and after that date, and the exemption pathway for experienced PAs depends on a state medical board process that is not yet finalized.

What to do before the effective date

  1. Keep your current collaboration plan active. AKAPA explicitly asks PAs to maintain existing plans through 9/16/2026, including those working in organizations named in the law.
  2. Watch for the exemption application process. The state medical board is building the application route for experienced PAs. Check the AKAPA site for updates rather than assuming eligibility details.
  3. Use the implementation slides as a starting point. AKAPA offers SB89 implementation slides as a resource for leadership and credentialing staff working through the AS 08.64 statute changes. AKAPA notes these slides are not a substitute for legal advice.
  4. Bring questions to the Friday advocacy meetings. AKAPA hosts Friday morning advocacy meetings for information and questions about the changes.

Where to follow updates

AKAPA's site is the hub for this transition. Relevant entry points include:

  • Implementation slides — SB89ImplementationSlides.pdf, linked from the AKAPA home page
  • Friday advocacy meetings — recurring sessions for information and questions
  • Legislative & Regulatory Update — a recurring Zoom meeting listed on the events calendar
  • Contact — [email protected], 907-646-0588, or 111 West 9th Ave, Anchorage, AK

AKAPA also credits Senator Tobin and Alaska PAs for roughly six years of work to reach this point, and notes the state medical board's exemption process is the piece still in progress.