Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0703

Introduced
3/7/25  

Caption

Alters a PA’s continuing education requirements, ability to provide charitable care, and authority to clear students to return to sports after health-concern related removal and protect PA’s from certain restrictive covenants.

Impact

The legislation also allows physician assistants to provide charitable care independently, without requiring a collaborating physician, provided that the PA possesses adequate professional liability insurance. This change is intended to broaden access to care, especially in underserved communities where PAs can offer critical health services without the direct oversight of a physician.

Summary

Bill S0703 introduces amendments to the 'Physician Assistants' chapter within the laws, specifically altering continuing medical education requirements for physician assistants (PAs). Under this bill, PAs will be required to complete fifty hours of continuing education every two years instead of the previous requirements. The bill aims to streamline the educational burden placed on PAs while ensuring they remain updated in their medical knowledge and skills.

Contention

Another significant component of S0703 is the prohibition of restrictive covenants in contracts involving physician assistants, which can limit their practice opportunities after employment ends. The bill seeks to enhance the mobility and rights of PAs in the workforce to ensure they can freely establish practices without being hindered by non-compete clauses. This could lead to a more competitive healthcare landscape, ultimately benefiting patients through enhanced access to medical services.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S2262

Creates a protective legal shield for healthcare providers, precluding any civil/criminal action by other states/persons against healthcare providers involving persons seeking access to transgender and reproductive healthcare services provided in RI.

RI H7577

Creates a protective legal shield for healthcare providers, precluding any civil/criminal action by other states/persons against healthcare providers involving persons seeking access to transgender and reproductive healthcare services provided in RI.

RI H7870

Updates repealed chapter by requiring school district to develop concussion guidelines; students/parents brochure; removal/return procedures after student removal/return to practice/competition; mandatory training for coaches/officials.

RI S2182

Expands the rights of physician assistants with regard to their practice and prohibits non-compete clauses that exceed five years with regard to the purchase and sale of a practice.

RI H7150

Expands the rights of physician assistants with regard to their practice and prohibits non-compete clauses that exceed five years with regard to the purchase and sale of a practice.

RI S0279

Physician Assistants

RI S2389

Authorizes emergency medical service agencies to transport individuals to alternative facilities for treatment and permits licensed providers for mental health disorders to treat patients within the community.

RI H5284

Physician Assistants

RI H8203

Authorizes emergency medical service agencies to transport individuals to alternative facilities for treatment and permits licensed providers for mental health disorders to treat patients within the community.

RI S2613

Prohibits a health insurer from denying a claim for any medical bill based on sole reasoning that the bill may arise from a motor vehicle accident or other third-party claim and prohibits a medical provider from refusing to submit medical for same reason.

Similar Bills

CA AB834

Physicians and surgeons and doctors of podiatric medicine: professional partnerships.

LA SB166

Provides relative to physician assistants. (8/1/19)

LA HB702

Provides with respect to the practice of physician assistants

IA HF313

A bill for an act relating to testimony at involuntary commitment hearings by physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners.(Formerly HSB 85.)

IA HSB85

A bill for an act relating to testimony at involuntary commitment hearings by physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners.(See HF 313.)

LA SB115

Provides with respect to the practice of physician assistants. (gov sig)

CA AB191

Mental health: involuntary treatment.

IA HF424

A bill for an act providing for the collaborative practice of physician assistants by allowing for the practice of certain physician assistants without supervision by a physician. (Formerly HSB 115.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.