Nevada Assembly Bill AB124

Nevada 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/9/23
• Report Pass: 3/16/23
• Engrossed: 3/27/23
• Refer: 3/27/23
• Report Pass: 5/15/23
• Enrolled: 5/29/23
• Chaptered: 5/31/23
• Passed: 5/31/23

Caption

Revises provisions governing the renewal of a license as an osteopathic physician or physician assistant. (BDR 54-525)

Impact

This legislation is expected to have a significant impact on how the renewal process is managed for osteopathic practitioners in the state. By allowing the Board to set the verification percentage, it provides more flexibility in managing workloads and could potentially lead to a more efficient system. The bill also retains essential education requirements, such as mandating training on evidence-based suicide prevention and cultural competency, which reflects a commitment to improving patient care and outcomes in sensitive areas like mental health and substance use.

Summary

Assembly Bill 124 focuses on the renewal process for licenses held by osteopathic physicians and physician assistants. The bill revises existing procedures, particularly concerning the submission of continuing medical education (CME) credits necessary for license renewal. Traditionally, the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine was required to annually request verification of CME from at least one-third of the applicants renewing their licenses; this bill removes that requirement, empowering the Board to determine the percentage of verifications it will request. This shift is intended to streamline the process and reduce administrative burdens while ensuring compliance with continuing education standards.

Contention

Notably, some concerns have been raised regarding the potential reduction in oversight concerning continuing education compliance. Opponents of the new provisions may argue that less frequent verification could lead to inconsistencies in practitioners' education levels. Moreover, the emphasis on specific educational topics, such as cultural competency and suicide prevention training, may spark discussions on how to implement effective training that meets the diverse needs of the population served by these healthcare professionals.