A compliance requirement buried in HB1622 could expose your business to unexpected costs if you employ or contract with a physician assistant.
Most North Dakota auto service owners don't realize that a provision in HB1622—a bill about physician assistant licensing—could create unexpected financial exposure for their business.
Here's what happened: North Dakota adopted the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, which allows PAs to hold a single multistate license rather than separate licenses in each state. It's designed to streamline licensing. But HB1622 added a compliance mechanism with teeth.
Under Section 4 of HB1622 (amending North Dakota Century Code 43-17-46, subsection 2, pages 2–3), any PA holding a compact privilege in North Dakota must complete an addendum questionnaire required by the state licensing board. If that PA fails to submit the questionnaire on time, the penalty is steep: a fee of up to three times the normal PA licensure fee.
That penalty obligation falls on the PA—but the practical impact lands on your business. If you employ a PA or contract with one (common in clinics, urgent care, or occupational health services at larger auto service operations), you're exposed to this cost indirectly. A PA's noncompliance becomes your problem.
Why does this matter to auto service owners? Many larger shops and fleet operations run on-site or contracted occupational health programs. Some contract with PAs for workplace injury assessment, DOT physicals, or employee health services. If that PA holds a compact privilege instead of a full North Dakota license and misses the board's questionnaire deadline, your business could face disruption and cost.
The fee structure—up to three times the normal licensure fee—is designed as a strong incentive for compliance. But it also means the stakes are real for any business relying on that PA's services.
HB1622 becomes effective upon filing with the Secretary of State (Section 6, Page 19). That means the compliance obligation and penalty structure are already in place.
If you employ or contract with a PA in North Dakota, verify whether they hold a compact privilege or a full state license. If it's a compact privilege, confirm they understand the addendum questionnaire requirement and the timeline. A missed deadline isn't just a licensing issue—it's a financial one that affects your operation.
For businesses with occupational health programs or contracted PA services, this is worth a conversation with your PA and your legal or HR advisor. Clarity now prevents surprises later.
Source: HB1622, North Dakota Legislature; Section 4 (amending 43-17-46, subsection 2); Section 6, effective date provision. For a free, business-specific summary of HB1622 and other recent North Dakota regulatory changes affecting your industry, contact your local trade association.