BILL NUMBER: S5520

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:

Provides for the performance of medical services by physician assistants

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1 adds new subdivision 2-a to section 6542 of the education law
to allow licensed physician assistants to provide medical services that
are within the scope of practice, education, and training, without the
supervision of a physician.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Over 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 law marks the value of advanced care professionals,
adopting health care standards and advancing access to care, while
preserving patient safety.

Physician assistants (PAs) must undergo a rigorous course of medical
education and training, and are authorized to practice in any medical
field physicians are trained in, including but not limited to emergency
care, surgery, primary care, and specialty medicine. They develop these
competencies working with physicians and in a team-based care environ-
ment.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor explicitly waived any "super-
visory" requirements for PAs, 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. The
elimination of this barrier has also benefited all New York State citi-
zens. This flexibility has been continued to this day with current exec-
utive 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:

2021-2022: S9233/No same as
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

No negative fiscal implications. Cost savings to be determined.

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