The new bill expands the number of physician assistants to whom a patient care team physician can delegate medical acts and modifies the settings in which physician assistants can perform advanced duties without prior approval from the State Board of Physicians. This change is expected to streamline healthcare delivery by allowing PAs to operate more independently, thereby potentially addressing healthcare workforce shortages and improving access to care.
Summary
House Bill 312 aims to update the requirements and processes surrounding the practice of physician assistants (PAs) in Maryland. The bill mandates that physician assistants establish a collaboration agreement with patient care team physicians, replacing the previous requirement for a delegation agreement with a primary supervising physician. This shift is intended to enhance the collaborative nature of healthcare practice, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in the supervision of PAs while ensuring that patient care is prioritized.
Contention
A key point of contention regarding the bill involves the oversight and regulation of physician assistants. Critics may argue that easing the requirements for collaboration agreements could lead to variability in the quality of medical care. Proponents, on the other hand, contend that such flexibility allows for more responsive healthcare practices that can adapt to local needs and the specific capacities of healthcare teams. Further, discussions around the bill highlight the delicate balance between ensuring patient safety and allowing healthcare professionals to work efficiently.
Notable_points
An important aspect of HB 312 is the provision that currently active delegation agreements as of October 1, 2024, will be treated as collaboration agreements. This transitional measure aims to minimize disruption for physician assistants already practicing under existing agreements. Additionally, the bill incorporates measures that require patient care team physicians to notify the state board regarding any changes in collaboration agreements, maintaining accountability and oversight in the practice of healthcare.
Providing that applicants for a physician assistant license submit to a criminal record check, providing for the collaboration between physicians and physician assistants and requiring the revocation of a physician assistant license under certain circumstances.
An Act to amend and reenact ยงยง 54.1-2951.1, 54.1-2952, and 54.1-2952.1 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 54.1-2952.01, relating to physician assistants; authorization to practice without a practice agreement.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of physician graduates and the authority of an insured to select a physician graduate under the insured's health insurance policy; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.