Bill > S0748

This bill revises the circumstances under which a physician assistant (PA), a healthcare professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician, can prescribe medication, allowing them to prescribe or dispense medications as delegated by their supervising physician, with certain exceptions and requirements. These requirements include clearly identifying themselves as a PA to patients, informing patients of their right to see the physician before a prescription is issued, and the supervising physician notifying the state department of their intent to delegate this authority. PAs must also acknowledge completing continuing medical education in their specialty with each license renewal, and prescriptions must include both the supervising physician's and the PA's prescriber number, with specific formatting and pharmacy requirements. The bill also expands the services a licensed PA can perform as delegated by their supervising physician, provided it aligns with their education and training and is not expressly prohibited. Additionally, it modifies physician assistant licensure requirements, changing the documentation needed for initial licensure and renewal from sworn statements to acknowledgments regarding criminal convictions and previous licensure issues, and removing the requirement for letters of recommendation. The bill also updates language related to temporary licenses and the examination process for PAs.