SB0218 Summary

• Amends the Physician Assistant Practice Act of 1987 to define "federally qualified health center" as a health center funded under Section 330 of the federal Public Health Service Act

• Exempts physicians and physician assistants working in hospitals, hospital affiliates, federally qualified health centers, or ambulatory surgical treatment centers from collaborative ratio restrictions (maximum of 7 full-time equivalent physician assistants)

• Allows physician assistants to continue practicing for up to 90 days after termination of a written collaborative agreement if they seek collaboration at a local hospital and refer complex cases to physicians or other providers

• Removes written collaborative agreement requirements for physician assistants practicing in hospitals, hospital affiliates, federally qualified health centers, or ambulatory surgical treatment centers, instead requiring clinical privileges granted by respective medical committees

• Permits physician assistants in hospitals and federally qualified health centers to prescribe Schedule II through V controlled substances under clinical privileges granted by medical committees, subject to specified conditions including monthly consultation and 30-day supply limits