All for one one for all.

• Position: Trends And Transitions - Brief Article

When disaster--natural or man-made--strikes, it may take more than a village and even more than a single state to help the victims.

In a country galvanized by the 2001 terrorist attacks, states are beginning to consider interstate compacts that would allow medical professionals to cross state borders. Traditionally, a doctor practicing in one state cannot practice medicine in another state unless licensed to practice there, too.

In the Midwest and the South, regional agreements are being forged to share medical personnel and communications when adversity crops up. In the Midwest, 10 states--Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah--are looking at a medical and communications compact.

Both the Midwestern and Southern interstate medical agreements will involve licensing, liability and reimbursement.

Another avenue being explored, but which is as yet too cumbersome for use, is telemedicine across...