Bill > H2371

This bill aims to remove barriers and expand the professional capabilities of physician assistants (PAs) in Massachusetts by making several key changes to existing laws. The bill allows PAs to perform medical services within their education, training, and competence, and enables them to order tests and therapeutics without strict supervision requirements. It clarifies that the legal responsibility for patient care remains with the PA, employing physician, or healthcare facility, and mandates that insurers cover PA services under the same conditions as physician services. The bill requires PAs to complete at least 2,000 hours of collaborative practice in a clinical setting as a condition of registration, defining a collaborative agreement as a mutually agreed upon plan for working with physicians. Additionally, the bill removes several regulatory references to "supervising" physicians, effectively granting PAs more professional autonomy. These changes are intended to reduce administrative burdens, improve healthcare access, and recognize the advanced skills and training of physician assistants, while maintaining a collaborative approach to patient care.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2371