Bill > SB100

This bill authorizes the Arkansas Medicaid Program to recognize physician assistants (PAs) as primary care providers, subject to authorization from their supervising physician. Under the proposed law, a licensed physician assistant can serve as an initial healthcare provider and treat patients within their scope of practice. The bill mandates that the Medicaid Program reimburse physician assistants at not less than the current reimbursement rate for services, and fully reimburse them (100% of the physician rate) for out-of-pocket costs like laboratory tests, X-rays, and additional tests. Healthcare insurance policies funded by the program must also recognize and reimburse PAs under these terms. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that it does not expand the existing scope of practice or licensure for physician assistants. When initially applying to be recognized as a primary care provider, a physician assistant must provide a written authorization signed by their supervising physician. This legislation aims to enhance healthcare access and provider options within the Arkansas Medicaid Program by formally recognizing the critical role physician assistants can play in primary care.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb100&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R