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HB 2049

Relating to midlevel practitioners

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Evan Worrell

House Bill 2049 empowers physician assistants in West Virginia by allowing them to own practices, clarifying shareholder roles, and enhancing professional autonomy.

To House Health and Human Resources
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Bill Summary · HB 2049

Summary of House Bill 2049

Bill Number: HB 2049
Title: Relating to Midlevel Practitioners
Status: To House Health and Human Resources
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Health

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2049 aims to amend existing laws in West Virginia regarding midlevel practitioners, specifically focusing on physician assistants (PAs). The bill seeks to enhance the professional autonomy of physician assistants by allowing them to own practices, clarifying their eligibility as shareholders in medical corporations, and establishing grounds for disciplinary actions related to their practice.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant changes to the West Virginia Code, particularly in the following areas:

  1. Ownership of Practices:

    • Permits physician assistants to own and operate their own medical practices, expanding their role in healthcare delivery.

  2. Disciplinary Grounds:

    • Establishes clear grounds for the discipline or denial of a license for physician assistants, ensuring accountability and maintaining professional standards.

  3. Shareholder Eligibility:

    • Clarifies the eligibility criteria for physician assistants to become shareholders in medical corporations, promoting their involvement in corporate governance.

  4. Corporate Representation:

    • Allows physician assistants to serve as designated corporate representatives, enabling them to participate more actively in the management of healthcare organizations.

  5. Professional Service Designation:

    • Designates the profession of physician assistant as a professional service under the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, which may provide legal and operational benefits for PAs operating within corporate structures.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 2049 would primarily affect:

  • Physician Assistants: By allowing ownership of practices and clarifying their roles within medical corporations, the bill aims to empower PAs and enhance their professional standing.
  • Healthcare Organizations: Medical corporations may see changes in governance and operational structures as PAs gain more authority and responsibility.
  • Patients: The increased autonomy of physician assistants could lead to improved access to care and potentially enhance the quality of healthcare services provided.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced on: February 12, 2025
  • Referred to: House Committee on Health and Human Resources
  • Next Steps: The bill will undergo review and discussion within the committee before potentially moving forward for a vote in the House.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 2049, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on the healthcare landscape in West Virginia.

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

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