New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A07988

Introduced

4/16/25

Refer

4/16/25

Caption

Relates to the performance of medical services by physician assistants; provides that a physician assistant may practice without the supervision of a physician when such physician assistant is employed by a health system or hospital and is credentialed and given privileges by such health system or hospital, or when such physician assistant is licensed, has practiced for more than six thousand hours, is practicing in primary care, and is performing certain functions.

Impact

The implications of this legislation are significant, as they potentially alter the traditional supervisory relationship between physicians and physician assistants. Supporters argue that the law could enhance access to medical care, reduce waiting times, and improve healthcare delivery efficiency, particularly in underserved regions. By empowering PAs to operate without direct oversight, healthcare systems may better utilize their personnel, ultimately benefiting patient care. However, concerns arise around the quality of care and patient safety without physician supervision, prompting debates on the adequacy of training and oversight mechanisms for PAs.

Summary

Bill A07988 proposes amendments to the education law and the public health law regarding the role of physician assistants (PAs) in providing medical services. The key provision of this bill allows PAs to practice without supervision under certain conditions. Specifically, it states that a PA can work independently if employed by a health system or hospital that credentialed them and provided necessary privileges, or if they have accumulated more than 6,000 hours of practice in primary care and are performing specific functions outlined in the bill. This change aims to expand the ability of PAs to deliver care, especially in areas that face healthcare provider shortages.

Contention

Debate surrounding A07988 centers on the balance between enhancing healthcare access and maintaining patient safety. Proponents highlight the necessity of adapting healthcare delivery models to modern needs, especially amid ongoing healthcare professional shortages. Critics, on the other hand, fear that easing supervision requirements could compromise care quality and undermine the physician-patient relationship. This contention reflects broader discussions within the medical community about the capabilities and roles of non-physician providers in delivering care and managing complex health needs.

Latest A07988 Activity

Companion Bills

NY S07981

Same As Relates to the performance of medical services by physician assistants; provides that a physician assistant may practice without the supervision of a physician when such physician assistant is employed by a health system or hospital and is credentialed and given privileges by such health system or hospital, or when such physician assistant is licensed, has practiced for more than six thousand hours, is practicing in primary care, and is performing certain functions.

Previously Filed As

NY A05012

Permits the performance of medical services by a physician assistant without the supervision of a physician as appropriate to the physician assistant's scope of practice, education and training where such physician assistant has practiced for more than three thousand six hundred hours.

NY S05520

NY S02126

Relates to the use of fluoroscopy by physician assistants.

NY A08420

Requires any elected or appointed coroner who is not a licensed physician to be a certified nurse practitioner or licensed physician assistant authorized to practice medicine in this state.

NY S09443

Requires any elected or appointed coroner who is not a licensed physician to be a certified nurse practitioner or licensed physician assistant authorized to practice medicine in this state.

NY S02124

Allows physician assistants to serve as primary care practitioners for purposes of Medicaid managed care plans.

NY A07725

Allows physician assistants to serve as primary care practitioners for purposes of Medicaid managed care plans.

NY S03472

Provides that health care plan participation by physicians shall be reported, for purposes of physician profiles, by the health care plans; requires physicians to periodically submit information for his or her physician profile within 6 months of his or her triennial re-registration to practice; authorizes physicians to designate a designee to submit his or her information for the physician profile.

NY A07214

NY A05438

Relates to funds used for the physician loan repayment program and the regents physicians loan forgiveness program for physicians practicing in designated physician shortage areas and creates the medical malpractice rate relief program within the regents physician loan forgiveness program in designated physician shortage areas.