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.
Additionally, the bill addresses restrictive covenants, which traditionally limit the geographic areas in which PAs can practice post-employment. By making such agreements void and unenforceable, the bill empowers PAs to establish professional relationships without geographical restrictions after leaving their employment. This move could potentially lead to increased mobility within the healthcare workforce, encouraging PAs to operate in areas of higher need and improve patient access to care.
House Bill 7150, introduced at the beginning of the 2024 session, seeks to amend existing regulations concerning physician assistants (PAs) in Rhode Island. A key component of this legislation is the expansion of rights for PAs by allowing them to engage in charitable and voluntary care without the requirement of having a collaborating physician present. This provision aims to increase accessibility of healthcare services in community settings, such as summer camps and public events, where PAs may be instrumental in providing necessary care without financial compensation.
Overall, HB 7150 signifies a meaningful shift towards enhancing the roles of physician assistants in the healthcare system while reducing barriers to practice. Its success in fostering an accessible healthcare environment will hinge on effective implementation and the willingness of various stakeholders to adapt to these regulatory changes.
However, the bill does not extend to stipulations surrounding the purchase and sale of medical practices, where non-compete clauses can still apply for a maximum duration of five years. This aspect may draw scrutiny as it remains a point of contention in balancing the rights of medical professionals against the operational needs of healthcare practices. As discussions about healthcare delivery models evolve, the implications of these legislative changes will be closely monitored.