Victory! Full Independent Practice Has Been Removed from the Physicians Assistants Bill!

March 31, 2023

Due to strong physician grassroots efforts in opposition to Senate Bill 218, ISMS’s hard-working legislative team was able to secure the removal of full independent practice for PAs language from the bill!

This is the bill that would have removed the required written physician collaborative agreement for physician assistants (PAs) and granted them full independent practice upon completing additional hours of continuing education and in-clinic training.

On Wednesday, Senate Bill 218 cleared the Senate Licensed Activities Committee with Amendment 2. This amendment modifies collaboration requirements within Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which removes ISMS’ opposition.

The amended version of SB 218 heads to the Senate floor for further discussion.

ISMS heard from legislators that their inboxes were filled with messages from physicians who took the time to urge opposition to full independent practice of PAs.

Thank you for your help in amplifying physician voices on this important legislation!

If you have questions, please contact ISMS Senior Vice President of State Legislative Affairs Erin O'Brien by email.