Bill > S07981

This bill expands the practice authority for physician assistants (PAs) in New York by creating two primary pathways for PAs to work with reduced physician supervision. First, a PA can practice without direct physician supervision if they are employed by a health system or hospital, meet the medical staff qualifications, and are credentialed with hospital privileges. Second, a PA can practice independently in primary care if they have more than 6,000 hours of practice experience and are performing specific clinical functions, which include taking patient histories, performing physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, formulating diagnoses, administering clinical interventions, referring patients, counseling patients, managing treatment plans, providing telehealth services, prescribing medications (including controlled substances), and other functions determined by the health commissioner. The bill maintains some existing restrictions, such as limiting the number of PAs a physician can supervise in a private practice, and requires the health and education commissioners to develop regulations to implement these changes. This legislation aims to increase healthcare access by allowing experienced PAs more autonomy in providing medical services, particularly in primary care settings.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7981