Pittman's physician assistant bills headed to governor
The state Senate unanimously voted in favor of two bills introduced by Sen. Joe Pittman, R-41st, that expand use of physician assistants.
Senate Bills 397 and 398 will now go to Gov. Tom Wolf.
Senate Bill 397, which amends the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act, and Senate Bill 398, which amends the Medical Practice Act of 1985, are intended to help physician assistants work and practice with increased efficiency, Pittman said.
“Pennsylvania is one of the premier states for physician assistant education with more than 20 programs currently in the state,” Pittman said. “While many physician assistants receive their education from programs here, current law makes it less appealing for them to stay in Pennsylvania. These bills will reform the law to encourage more physician assistants to practice in the Commonwealth, which will enhance the diverse range of medical professionals across our healthcare delivery system.”
Some of the changes include eliminating the requirement for a physician assistant to provide medical care and services under the direction of a physician, who instead will supervise the activities of the physician assistant as they provide medical services as spelled out in a written agreement with the supervising physician, he said.
