Bill > SB89

This bill expands the scope of practice for physician assistants (PAs) in Alaska, allowing them to perform a wider range of medical services based on their education and experience, including diagnosing, treating, ordering tests, and prescribing medications, and clarifies that PAs are responsible for the care they provide. It also modifies the requirements for PAs to practice, generally requiring a written collaborative agreement with a physician, but with exceptions for PAs working in certain healthcare facilities like those run by the federal government, tribal organizations, or federally qualified health centers, or if the State Medical Board authorizes practice without such an agreement. The bill also updates various statutes to reflect these changes, including provisions related to the State Medical Board's membership, qualifications for PA applicants, temporary permits, continuing education exemptions, reporting requirements for impaired practitioners, penalties for practicing without a license, and definitions of "practice of medicine" and "practitioner." Additionally, it prohibits contracts between healthcare providers and insurers from imposing practice, education, or collaboration requirements on PAs that are more restrictive than state law.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB89