California Senate Bill SB1463

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/20
• Refer: 3/12/20

Caption

Physician assistants: written examination.

Impact

By eliminating the requirement to establish a passing score for the examinations, SB 1463 could potentially simplify the licensure process for future physician assistants. This change is expected to ease the administrative burden on the Physician Assistant Board and allow for greater adaptability in how examinations are organized. The implications of this legislation may also lead to an increase in the number of candidates able to obtain licensure, ultimately impacting the healthcare workforce in California.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 1463, introduced by Senator Glazer, aims to amend the existing provisions in the Business and Professions Code related to the licensure of physician assistants in California. The primary focus of the bill is to remove the requirement for the Physician Assistant Board to establish a passing score and the specific time and place for each licensure examination. The bill proposes that while written examinations are still mandated, more flexibility in administration and scoring regulations is allowed for the board, including the option to employ uniform examination systems.

Contention

Despite its aim to enhance flexibility, SB 1463 has raised concerns among some stakeholders about the consistency and reliability of the licensure examinations. Critics argue that removing standardized passing score requirements may lead to variations in exam quality and fairness, potentially undermining the quality of healthcare provided by newly licensed physician assistants. The discussions surrounding the bill highlight the balancing act between ensuring a sufficient workforce in healthcare and maintaining rigorous standards for licensure.