CA SB385

Revises training requirements for physician assistants to perform abortion by aspiration techniques, replacing protocol requirements with a clinical competency standard achieved through completion of requisite training.

Allows physician assistants to perform abortions by aspiration techniques without the personal presence of a supervising physician and surgeon once they complete training and achieve clinical competency, unless specified otherwise in their practice agreement.

Qualifies training from multiple sources including board-approved programs, state or national health care organizations, the Health Workforce Pilot Project, and direct training at clinics or hospitals by physicians, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, or other qualified physician assistants.

Prohibits the Physician Assistant Board from suspending or revoking a license solely for performing an abortion in accordance with state law, and restricts discipline based on discipline or conviction for abortion-related offenses in other states.

Requires physician assistants performing abortion by aspiration techniques to follow applicable standards of care, stay within their scope of practice, and comply with their practice agreement, and prohibits online-only or simulation-based training without mandatory clinical hours.