Florida House Bill H0481

Florida 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Failed: 5/5/23

Caption

Physician Assistants' Prescriptive Authority

Impact

The enactment of HB 481 will broaden the scope of practice for physician assistants throughout Florida, directly impacting the delivery of medical care. By allowing PAs to prescribe medications more independently, the bill is expected to alleviate some of the burdens on supervising physicians and enhance healthcare access for patients in areas with healthcare provider shortages. Moreover, the bill introduces a formulary that will detail which substances PAs can prescribe, which could help in standardizing practices across the state.

Summary

HB 481 aims to amend Florida's medical statutes to revise the prescriptive authority of physician assistants (PAs). The bill seeks to eliminate the requirement for PAs to prescribe or dispense medications only under the supervision of a physician, thus granting them greater autonomy in their prescribing practices. This change signifies a shift in the legislative landscape surrounding healthcare provider roles, particularly regarding how outpatient care is managed. The bill further specifies the conditions under which PAs can prescribe, including ensuring patients are informed of their status as PAs and requiring continuing medical education to maintain prescribing privileges.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 481 have highlighted notable points of contention among lawmakers, particularly regarding patient safety and the training adequacy of PAs. Critics argue that granting PAs expanded prescriptive privileges without sufficient supervision may pose risks if PAs lack the comprehensive training required for such responsibilities. Proponents, however, contend that empowering PAs to prescribe can enhance timely patient care and mitigate delays often caused by bottlenecks in physician oversight. The balance between ensuring quality care and effectively utilizing available medical staff remains a pivotal discussion in the committee's considerations.