HB169 Summary

• Shifts physician assistant oversight from a "supervision" model to a "collaboration" model between physicians and physician assistants, recognizing the expanded role and training of PAs.

• Increases the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline from 16 to 18 members, adding 2 physician assistant members appointed by the Regulatory Council for Physician Assistants.

• Maintains a 1:4 ratio limit of physician assistants to physicians unless Board regulations change the number; this limit does not apply to physicians and PAs practicing in the same physical building (such as emergency departments).

• Allows physician assistants to volunteer without compensation at public or community events without requiring a collaborating physician present.

• Requires physician assistants to complete a written collaborative agreement with their collaborating physician that defines the scope of practice, delegation of medical tasks, and availability for consultation.