Enacting the physician assistant licensure compact to provide interstate practice privileges for physician assistants.
Impact
If enacted, HB 2219 is expected to significantly amend existing laws related to the licensure and practice of PAs in Kansas and participating states. The compact will facilitate easier mobility for healthcare providers and is particularly beneficial for military families, allowing spouses of active-duty personnel to practice without the usual lengthy licensure process in multiple states. The compact also provides for joint investigations and reporting of licensees, which enhances accountability among PAs practicing across state lines and informs regulatory actions based on uniform standards.
Summary
House Bill 2219 establishes the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, which aims to enhance the accessibility of medical services while maintaining patient safety. This compact allows physician assistants (PAs) to practice in multiple states through reciprocal recognition of their licenses. It provides a structured process for the mutual recognition of PAs' licenses, which intends to streamline the regulatory framework governing their practice across state lines. The bill reflects a growing recognition of the need for improved healthcare access, especially in underserved areas.
Contention
While the compact is largely supported for its focus on improving healthcare delivery, there are concerns regarding the implications for state regulatory authority. Some legislators may express apprehension about ceding control of PA licensure to a compact commission and the potential lack of local oversight in instances of adverse actions against PAs. Additionally, ensuring that all participating states maintain identical standards of practice and conduct will be critical to the success of the compact. The balance between efficient access to health services and the protection of public safety remains a central dialogue point among stakeholders.
Providing for the preceptor income tax incentive act, establishing an income tax credit for physicians and physician assistants that serve as a community-based faculty preceptor by providing personalized instruction, training and supervision for students.
Creating a civil cause of action against a physician who performs childhood gender reassignment service and requiring revocation of a physician's license who performs childhood gender reassignment service.
Creating a civil cause of action against a physician who performs childhood gender reassignment service and requiring revocation of a physician's license who performs childhood gender reassignment service.
Authorizing pharmacy technicians to administer certain vaccines, creating a civil cause of action against a physician and requiring revocation of a physician's license who performs a childhood gender reassignment service.
Enacting the forbidding abuse child transitions act, restricting use of state funds to promote gender transitioning, prohibiting healthcare professionals from treating children whose gender identity is inconsistent with the child's sex, authorizing a civil cause of action against healthcare professionals for providing such treatments, authorizing professional discipline against a physician who performs such treatment, prohibiting professional liability insurance from covering damages for healthcare providers that provide gender transition treatment to children and adding violation of the act to the definition of unprofessional conduct for physicians and nurses.
Enacting the school psychologist compact, the dietitian compact, the cosmetology compact and the physicians assistant compact to provide interstate practice privileges.