BILL NUMBER: S9233

SPONSOR: RIVERA
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to the performance of
medical services by physician assistants; and providing for the repeal
of such provisions upon expiration thereof

 
PURPOSE:

To allow physician assistants who have practiced under the supervision
of a physician for 3600 hours to perform medical services as appropriate
to the physician assistant's training without physician supervision.
This is consistent with how state law treats other advanced practice
professionals.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section one of the legislation amends section 6542 of the education law
to insert a new paragraph that would allow physician assistants with
3600 hours of physician supervision to perform medical services appro-
              

priate to the physician assistant's scope of practice, training, and
education.

Section two of the legislation sets the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

In the fifty years since the establishment of the profession and prac-
tice of physician assistant, New York's enabling statutory language has
had few if any amendments. In contrast, the State's statutory framework
governing the health care delivery system has changed considerably.

Most recently, a new law allows nurse practitioners to practice without
any collaborative agreement with a physician. This language recognizes
the flexibility under the COVID Executive Orders as well as the work-
force shortage. This 2022 law marks the value of advance care profes-
sionals, adopting health care standards and advancing access to care,
while preserving patient safety.

Physician assistants must undergo a rigorous course of medical education
and training, and are authorized to practice in any medical field physi-
cians are trained in, including but not limited to emergency care,
surgery, primary care, and specialty medicine. They develop these compe-
tencies working with physicians and in a team-based care environment.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor explicitly waived any "super-
visory" requirements for physician assistants, recognizing that
increased flexibility to allow greater access to care was imperative
during the public health crisis. Multiple hospital systems and physician
practices across the state have benefitted from the elimination of
barriers to care - not to mention all New York State citizens. This
flexibility has been continued to this day with current executive orders
in place to address the healthcare workforce crisis. For the past two
years, PAs have been allowed to practice without physician supervision
to the benefit of patients and healthcare delivery systems, and without
any adverse effects.  This bill would allow this practice to continue
for a period of two years.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

No negative fiscal implications. Cost savings to be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect ninety days after enactment.