Revise provisions related to physician assistants.
If enacted, SB134 would significantly alter state laws affecting the practice of physician assistants. This would include changes to the nature of collaborative agreements—they must now detail the activities a physician assistant may perform but also ensure that these professionals can bill directly for their services. Additionally, the amendments would allow physician assistants to operate under less restrictive supervision conditions, potentially allowing them to take on more independent responsibilities within healthcare settings.
Senate Bill 134 aims to revise the legal framework surrounding physician assistants in South Dakota. This legislation seeks to clarify the qualifications necessary for a physician assistant to practice, including their supervision by licensed physicians and the protocols governing collaborative agreements. The bill updates the definitions and roles within the framework, allowing physician assistants to be recognized as primary care providers if they practice within the required specialties. Furthermore, it facilitates direct billing for services they provide, which expands their scope of practice and enhances their integration into healthcare delivery.
Despite its benefits, the bill has faced opposition on several fronts. Critics argue that relaxing supervisory protocols could undermine patient safety. Some healthcare professionals express concern that the lack of stringent supervision might lead to inadequate oversight of physician assistants, potentially compromising care quality. Moreover, opponents highlight that the bill's broad definitions and relaxed requirements could devalue the role of fully trained medical professionals in the diagnostic and treatment processes, suggesting a need for greater safeguards to protect public health.