Bill
H 2371
Summary of H 2371: An Act Removing Barriers to Care for Physician Assistants OverviewThis bill, titled "An Act removing barriers to care for physician assistants", aims to expand t
This bill, titled "An Act removing barriers to care for physician assistants", aims to expand the scope of practice and authority for physician assistants (PAs) in the state. The legislation was introduced on February 27, 2025 and has been reported favorably by committee, with the next step being referral to the Health Care Financing committee.
The main provisions of H 2371 include:
Expanding PA Practice Authority: The bill would allow PAs to practice to the full extent of their education, training, and experience, without certain restrictions or supervision requirements that currently exist.
Prescriptive Authority for PAs: PAs would be granted the ability to prescribe medications, including controlled substances, without requiring co-signature or oversight from a physician.
Eliminating Physician Practice Agreement: The requirement for PAs to have a written practice agreement with a supervising physician would be eliminated, providing PAs greater autonomy.
Liability Coverage Parity: The bill mandates that PAs must be covered under the same liability insurance policies as physicians for their clinical services.
Telehealth Privileges: PAs would be explicitly authorized to provide care via telehealth modalities, expanding patient access.
If enacted, H 2371 could have several significant impacts:
Enhancing Patient Access: By expanding PA practice authority and prescriptive abilities, the bill could improve patient access to timely, high-quality care - especially in underserved or rural areas.
Increasing PA Autonomy: Removing the physician practice agreement requirement and granting PAs more independent practice privileges could lead to greater professional autonomy and job satisfaction for PAs.
Parity in Liability Coverage: Ensuring PAs have the same liability protections as physicians may help attract and retain PA talent in the state.
Telehealth Expansion: Explicitly authorizing PAs to provide telehealth services could expand the reach and convenience of care for many patients.
Overall, H 2371 represents a substantial effort to reduce regulatory barriers and modernize the role of physician assistants in the state's healthcare system.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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