Michigan is still dealing with a shortage of Physicians Assistants, and new legislation would allow PAs from other states to work there.

On Wednesday, the Michigan House voted to approve a bill that would improve healthcare access for patients, especially in the underserved rural areas such as the UP and northern Michigan. Michigan will be able to join 16 other states, including Wisconsin and Ohio, in the PA Compact, which allows PAs to cross state lines to practice healthcare.

The Michigan State Medical Society reports that PAs practicing in the state are still required to follow Michigan’s collaborative agreement laws and use the “Physician Assistant” title. Similar legislation is being considered to combat the state’s shortage of nurse professionals.