Rhode Island Senate Bill S0703

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/7/25

Caption

Alters a PA’s continuing education requirements, ability to provide charitable care, and authority to clear students to return to sports after health-concern related removal and protect PA’s from certain restrictive covenants.

Impact

The legislation also allows physician assistants to provide charitable care independently, without requiring a collaborating physician, provided that the PA possesses adequate professional liability insurance. This change is intended to broaden access to care, especially in underserved communities where PAs can offer critical health services without the direct oversight of a physician.

Summary

Bill S0703 introduces amendments to the 'Physician Assistants' chapter within the laws, specifically altering continuing medical education requirements for physician assistants (PAs). Under this bill, PAs will be required to complete fifty hours of continuing education every two years instead of the previous requirements. The bill aims to streamline the educational burden placed on PAs while ensuring they remain updated in their medical knowledge and skills.

Contention

Another significant component of S0703 is the prohibition of restrictive covenants in contracts involving physician assistants, which can limit their practice opportunities after employment ends. The bill seeks to enhance the mobility and rights of PAs in the workforce to ensure they can freely establish practices without being hindered by non-compete clauses. This could lead to a more competitive healthcare landscape, ultimately benefiting patients through enhanced access to medical services.