Increasing the number of physician assistants on the board of medical examiners

2025 Regular Session

LC 4033 would add physician assistants to the state board of medical examiners, boosting PA representation and influence over licensing and disciplinary decisions.

(LC) Draft Delivered to Requester

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Overview

LC 4033 is a draft bill introduced on December 15, 2024, with the title “Increasing the number of physician assistants on the board of medical examiners.” The bill falls under Health and Health Care Services, with related references to Professions and Occupations (O-Z). The current status shown is a draft delivered to the requester (LC) and it is listed as a bill in the drafting process.

Purpose and Intent

Primary objective: To increase the number of physician assistants (PAs) serving on the state board of medical examiners.

The exact structure of this increase (e.g., how many additional PA seats, adjustments to current seat counts, or reallocation of seats) is not specified in the available information. The enacted text would define the precise composition, eligibility, and appointment parameters.

Key Provisions (as currently described)

The bill would amend the statutory composition of the board to add or expand PA representation.

Specific details such as the total number of PA seats, terms, qualifications for PA nominees, appointment process, and any changes to the roles or duties of PA members would be established in the bill’s text.

No dollar amounts, timelines for implementation, or other numeric provisions are provided in the available material.

Note: Because the substantive text of LC 4033 has not been provided in the summary, the above provisions reflect the bill’s stated purpose. The enacted language will contain the precise changes.

Impact and Affected Parties

Affected Parties:

Physician assistants (PAs), who would gain increased representation on the board.
Other board members and regulated professionals overseen by the board (e.g., physicians and possibly other licensees).
The board itself and the regulatory framework governing licensure and disciplinary actions.

Potential Impacts:

Greater PA input in regulatory decisions, policies, and disciplinary considerations.
Possible shifts in board dynamics, governance, and consensus-building.
Administrative and operational implications for the board as it adjusts to formalize the new composition.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced: December 15, 2024.

Drafting progress (as recorded):

2024-12-15: Drafter Assigned; Draft On Hold.
2024-12-15 to 2025-02-11: Various drafting processes including Draft Taken Off Hold, Draft in Legal Review, Draft in Edit, Draft in Input/Proofing, Draft in Assembly, Final Drafter Review, Draft Ready for Delivery, Draft Delivered to Requester.

This timeline shows an active drafting process with multiple internal reviews and revisions, culminating in a draft delivered to the requester as of February 11, 2025.

Timelines and Next Steps (for readers)

Monitoring: If you want the specifics on seats, terms, and appointment procedures, check the enacted text once introduced and assigned to a committee for hearings.

Likely next steps include committee review, potential amendments, and floor consideration, followed by potential fiscal notes and effective date discussions.

If you’d like, I can add a section once the enacted text is available, detailing the precise number of PA seats, appointment criteria, term lengths, and any transitional provisions.

Bill