Relative to removing barriers to care for physician assistants
Impact
The changes enacted by HB 2135 could significantly impact how physician assistants practice within the state. By reducing the supervisory constraints traditionally placed on PAs, the bill aims to empower these healthcare providers to deliver more timely care to patients. This legislation is particularly relevant given the ongoing discussions about healthcare accessibility and workforce shortages, as it could potentially alleviate bottlenecks in patient treatment by allowing more PAs to take on diverse responsibilities without unnecessary legal barriers.
Summary
House Bill 2135 aims to remove barriers to care for physician assistants (PAs) in Massachusetts by amending several sections of the General Laws. The bill proposes changes to the supervision requirements, allowing physician assistants to practice more independently. Notably, it eliminates the requirement for a supervising physician to be present at all times and allows PAs to operate within their training and competence without needing constant oversight. This is intended to streamline patient care and increase access to services, effectively addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals.
Contention
While HB 2135 has garnered support from various healthcare advocacy groups that recognize the need for greater autonomy among PAs, there are concerns from some health professional organizations. Opponents argue that the proposed changes could compromise patient safety through reduced oversight. They emphasize the need for collaborative care that requires supervision and the importance of maintaining stringent safety protocols. As the bill progresses, the conversation around balancing patient safety with the need for increased healthcare accessibility continues to be a point of contention.
Practice of medicine; creating the Supervised Physicians Act; limiting scope of supervised practice; directing specified Boards to promulgate certain rules; requiring collaborative practice arrangements; creating certain exemptions; effective date.