MO HB1738

Repeals and replaces section 334.735 of Missouri law governing physician assistant licensure and practice requirements.

Establishes that physician assistants must have graduated from an AMA-accredited program, passed the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants exam, and maintain active certification.

Requires physician assistants to work under physician supervision, with the supervising physician on-site 66% of the time a physician assistant provides patient care, or under an approved waiver allowing up to 50 miles distance in health professional shortage areas.

Permits physician assistants to prescribe and dispense drugs, medications, and devices only pursuant to a written supervision agreement with a supervising physician, with restrictions on controlled substances and a 72-hour limit on dispensing starter doses.

Prohibits physician assistants from prescribing abortions, administering general or regional anesthesia, or holding themselves out as physicians, and requires them to clearly identify as a physician assistant.