Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB99

Introduced

1/23/25

Refer

1/23/25

Report Pass

2/26/25

Engrossed

3/3/25

Refer

3/3/25

Report Pass

3/18/25

Enrolled

4/2/25

Chaptered

4/7/25

Passed

4/7/25

Caption

To Authorize A Physician Assistant To Delegate Certain Tasks.

Impact

The bill's passage would alter existing regulations governing the delegation of medical practices by establishing clear guidelines that physicians and physician assistants must follow. This includes standards for delegation, supervision, and competency requirements for those performing delegated tasks. It is expected to improve access to healthcare services by allowing physician assistants to play a more active role in patient management, which is especially critical in rural or underserved areas where healthcare access can be limited.

Summary

Senate Bill 99 aims to authorize physician assistants in Arkansas to delegate specific tasks related to patient care and the administration of medical practices. This legislative proposal is intended to enhance the operational efficiency of healthcare providers by allowing trained personnel to perform certain medical tasks under the supervision of a licensed physician or physician assistant. By expanding the scope of responsibilities for physician assistants, the bill seeks to alleviate some of the workload from physicians and ensure that patients receive timely care, particularly in settings where medical professionals may be in short supply.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB99 appears to be positive among healthcare professionals, who often see the benefits of allowing physician assistants to take on more responsibilities. Supporters argue that this measure could lead to improved patient outcomes and more efficient use of medical resources. However, there may be some reservations regarding the implications of delegation on the quality of care and the ongoing need for proper training and oversight within medical practices.

Contention

Despite the overall support for the bill, notable points of contention may arise regarding the responsibilities and liabilities tied to delegation. Concerns have been raised about maintaining high standards of care and ensuring that patients are not misled about the qualifications of those administering medical treatments. Additionally, some stakeholders may fear that increased delegation could lead to a dilution of professional standards in healthcare, prompting a need for rigorous regulatory oversight by the Arkansas State Medical Board to protect patient safety.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB86

To Require The Department Of Health To Study And Report On The Status Of Naturopathic Physicians In Arkansas And Other States.

AR HB1312

To Establish The Transportation Benefit Manager Act; To Regulate Contracts Of Certain Ambulance Providers; And To Regulate Claims And Prior Authorization Procedures For Certain Ambulance Services.

AR HB1271

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Exempt Certain Healthcare Providers That Provide Certain Healthcare Services From Prior Authorization Requirements.

AR SB112

To Authorize Physician Assistants To Be Identified As A Treating Provider For Insurance Billing And Claims And To Bill And Receive Payment For Provided Healthcare Services.

AR SB403

To Consolidate Agriculture Boards And Commissions; To Abolish Certain Boards Within The Department Of Agriculture; To Transfer The Duties Of Certain Boards Within The Department Of Agriculture; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB495

To Create The Protect Arkansas Act; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Sentencing And Parole; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Criminal Offenses; And To Create The Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force.

AR HB1359

To Abolish Certain Boards; To Create The Arkansas State Board Of Mental Health Professionals; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1750

To Authorize Certain Persons To Carry A Weapon On Department Of Corrections Property; To Authorize Certain Department Of Corrections Officials And Employees To Carry A Concealed Handgun; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB143

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Exempt Certain Healthcare Providers That Provide Certain Healthcare Services From Prior Authorization Requirements.

AR HB1742

To Transfer The Administration Of The Transitional Employment Assistance Program From The Department Of Commerce To The Department Of Human Services; And To Declare An Emergency.