Physician Assistants - Revisions (Physician Assistant Modernization Act of 2024)
The passage of HB 806 is expected to significantly impact the functioning and regulation of physician assistants in the state. By replacing the delegation agreement with a collaboration agreement, the law encourages a more integrated approach to healthcare delivery, where physician assistants work closely with supervising physicians. This change is seen as a move to enhance the quality of care, streamline responsibilities, and ensure that physician assistants operate within a framework that emphasizes collaboration over hierarchical control. However, with these new responsibilities come additional expectations for ongoing education, training, and performance oversight.
House Bill 806, known as the Physician Assistant Modernization Act of 2024, modifies the regulations surrounding the practice of physician assistants in Maryland. The key changes include requiring physician assistants to have a collaboration agreement instead of a delegation agreement to practice. The bill also updates the scope of practice for physician assistants, aligns education requirements for licensure, and allows federal employee physician assistants to perform their duties during declared disasters. Furthermore, the State Board of Physicians is mandated to review and update a list of advanced duties for physician assistants, aiming for a more dynamic and responsive regulatory framework.
The sentiment surrounding the bill has generally been positive among healthcare providers who argue that modernizing the regulations for physician assistants will promote better patient care and efficiency in healthcare delivery. Advocates believe that the changes will help to alleviate some regulatory burdens while still upholding patient safety standards. Nonetheless, there are concerns raised regarding the complexity of collaboration agreements and the potential impact on the supervisory power of physicians, igniting discussions about control and accountability within healthcare settings.
Notable points of contention include debates over the implications of collaboration agreements, particularly regarding the balance of power in healthcare teams. Critics suggest that while collaboration fosters teamwork, it may also dilute physician oversight, potentially affecting patient safety. Additionally, there are concerns about the administrative burden that may fall on both physician assistants and supervising physicians in managing these agreements. Ensuring that both parties comply with the requirements outlined in the new law could prove challenging and lead to further legislative scrutiny in the future.