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SB 3421

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PRACTICE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Christopher Belt and 14 co-sponsors

SB 3421 modifies Illinois physician assistant practice regulations to adjust scope, supervision, or practice standards affecting healthcare provider capacity and patient access.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments
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Bill Summary · SB 3421

Legislative bill overview

SB 3421 modifies Illinois regulations governing physician assistant (PA) practice, though the specific regulatory changes are not detailed in the provided information. The bill has garnered bipartisan support with multiple co-sponsors added in recent weeks, suggesting collaborative legislative interest in PA scope-of-practice issues.

Why is this important

Physician assistants play a critical role in expanding healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas. Changes to PA practice regulations directly affect healthcare delivery capacity, patient access to care, and the competitive dynamics between different healthcare professions in Illinois.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice expansion vs. physician concerns: Medical associations may resist expanded PA independence, citing patient safety and quality control concerns, while PA advocates argue broader autonomy improves care access
  • Supervision and oversight requirements: Disagreement likely exists over whether PAs should practice independently or maintain physician supervision, balancing autonomy with accountability
  • Economic and workforce implications: Changes could affect physician employment opportunities and revenue, creating opposition from medical professionals while supporters argue it addresses healthcare workforce shortages

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

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