Rhode Island House Bill H7935

Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/26
• Refer: 2/27/26

Caption

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

Impact

The amendments proposed by H7935 are expected to have a profound impact on the scope of practice for physician assistants in Rhode Island. By lifting the restrictions on charitable care, the bill encourages more physician assistants to partake in community service, potentially increasing healthcare access for underprivileged populations. Furthermore, by amending the laws regarding collaboration with physicians, it clarifies the responsibilities of physician assistants in relation to patient care and safety during youth sports. This change aims to streamline practices around handling concussions and other emergency care scenarios by allowing physician assistants to act without delay.

Summary

House Bill H7935 seeks to amend provisions in Rhode Island's General Laws pertaining to physician assistants. The bill aims to increase the continuing medical education requirement for physician assistants from twenty-five hours to fifty hours every two years. It also facilitates the ability of physician assistants to participate in charitable care without heightening liability concerns by requiring liability coverage. Importantly, the bill allows physician assistants to provide assistance under two significant laws: the School and Youth Programs Concussion Act and the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act. Moreover, it addresses the enforceability of restrictive covenants placed on physician assistants in their professional agreements.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support among various health care advocates for its initiatives to enhance the practice of physician assistants, there remains some contention regarding the removal of restrictive covenants. Opponents argue that eliminating these restrictions could lead to workforce instability, as physician assistants may leave practices for better opportunities without any binding agreements. Additionally, there is debate about whether increasing continuing education requirements might create barriers for current practitioners who may struggle to meet the new standards.