Rhode Island House Bill H7083

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/24
• Refer: 1/10/24

Caption

Adopts the model compact for the physician assistant's licensure compact in Rhode Island.

Impact

This legislation is expected to significantly influence state laws related to the practice and regulation of physician assistants. By enabling compact privileges, the bill allows licensed physician assistants to provide services in other participating states without needing to obtain additional state-specific licenses. This may lead to an increased availability of healthcare providers in underserved areas, which is crucial for improving patient care and addressing gaps in healthcare access.

Summary

House Bill H7083, formally titled the Physician Assistance Licensing Compact Act, seeks to establish a legal framework allowing physician assistants to practice across state lines more easily. The primary goal of this bill is to adopt the model compact designed for regulating and licensing physician assistants, facilitating a streamlined process for licensure and practice privileges in participating states. By amending Title 5 of the General Laws, it aims to enhance access to healthcare services while maintaining accountability and adherence to medical standards.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill may face contention regarding the extent of state oversight to ensure standards are maintained. Critics argue that the interstate nature of the compact could lead to challenges in monitoring and enforcing compliance with medical regulations across states. Furthermore, concerns may arise about how adverse actions taken in one state could impact a physician assistant’s ability to practice in another, necessitating clear communication and robust reporting mechanisms among states.