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SB 647

Allowing physician assistants to own practice

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Vince Deeds and 3 co-sponsors

SB 647 enables West Virginia physician assistants to independently own medical practices, eliminating mandatory physician supervision requirements and expanding PA professional autonomy.

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Bill Summary · SB 647

Legislative bill overview

SB 647 would allow physician assistants (PAs) in West Virginia to independently own and operate medical practices, removing current regulatory requirements that PAs work under physician supervision or ownership. This represents a significant expansion of PA scope of practice and autonomy in the state.

Why is this important

Currently, PAs must work under a supervising physician's oversight in most states, which affects healthcare access, patient choice, and PA career opportunities. This bill directly addresses workforce flexibility and could expand primary care availability in rural or underserved areas, though it also raises questions about patient safety oversight and professional regulation.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient safety and oversight: Medical boards and physician organizations may argue that independent PA-owned practices reduce accountability mechanisms and physician-level clinical oversight that protects patients
  • Professional scope disputes: Physician groups could oppose this as encroaching on medical practice, while PA advocates argue PAs are adequately trained for independent practice based on their education and licensing requirements
  • Insurance and liability implications: Questions remain about malpractice insurance, credentialing standards, and whether insurance providers will reimburse independently-owned PA practices at the same rates as physician-owned practices

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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