PA State Legislative Highlights of 2006
Prescriptive Authority
Passed - SB 154 - Ohio
The long awaited legislation authorizes prescriptive authority for PAs and removes the restriction on PAs treating new patients or established patients with new problems. The bill also eliminates the requirement for chart co-signature, clarifies that the physician who does not routinely practice in an emergency department may send a PA to the emergency department to evaluate a patient, and authorizes procedures (such as LPs, endometrial biopsies, bone marrow aspirations) that a PA may perform without seeking special board approval.
Passed - HB 1037 - South Dakota
Authorizes PAs to prescribe Schedule II drugs for a period of 30 days (increased from a 48 hour restriction).
Passed - HB 4015 - South Carolina
A change from allowing PAs to prescribe Schedule V and non-controlled drugs to Schedule III-V and non-controlled medications.
Passed - HF 2331 - Iowa
Allows PAs to prescribe Schedule II stimulants. Since 1991, PAs have been authorized to prescribe controlled medications but restricted from prescribing stimulants and depressants.
Failed - AB 320 - California
Would have added PAs to the list of those who may administer narcotics for addiction treatment.
Co-Signature Requirements
Passed - SB 818 - Maryland
Removes requirement for physician co-signature of PA chart entries and streamlines the process for PAs to change supervising physicians.
Temporary Licensure
Passed - 887 - Mississippi
Authorizes PAs to receive a temporary license while completing a master's degree.
Licensure
Passed - SB 78 - Kentucky
Changes PAs from certified by the state to licensed.
Sampling
Passed - HB 832 - Georgia
Authorizes PAs to request, receive, and sign for professional samples.
Disaster
Passed - HB 873 - Georgia
Authorizes PAs who are licensed in good standing in Georgia or other jurisdictions to provide medical care in a state of public health emergency with whatever supervision is available and in accordance with guidelines established by the medical board.
Passed - SB 146 - Utah
Adds PAs to the list of health professionals who can respond to declared public health emergencies and who are included in the immunity from liability provisions provided to other health professionals in public health emergencies.
Supervision
Failed - SB 1420 - Florida
Allows PAs and NPs to practice in offices where physician is present less than 33% of the time.
Failed - SB 1124 - Missouri
Would have modified professional licensing PA supervision requirements.
Passed - HB 699 - Florida
Requires Medical Board to enact rules for off-site supervision.
Passed - HB 5653 - Michigan
Allows PAs to practice with podiatrist supervision.
