This bill amends existing laws governing the practice and regulation of physician assistants in Alaska, enhancing their representation and role within the healthcare system. It establishes that the State Medical Board will include a licensed physician assistant, thereby improving oversight and input from this profession. The bill repeals and reenacts the section on the scope of practice for physician assistants, detailing the necessary collaborative agreements for their practice while specifying that they cannot perform surgery independently. It also introduces new qualifications for applicants, such as proof of graduation from an accredited program and current certification, and expands the conditions under which temporary permits can be issued.

Furthermore, the bill updates the definition of "practice of medicine" to include physician assistants and allows them to volunteer in medical facilities and provide services to athletic teams while traveling. It modifies contract requirements between healthcare providers and insurers to ensure that any restrictions on physician assistants are not more stringent than those set by the State Medical Board. Notably, the bill removes the requirement for physician assistants to work under direct supervision, granting them greater autonomy. Overall, these changes aim to modernize the practice of physician assistants, ensuring they are equitably integrated into the healthcare framework in Alaska.

Statutes affected:
SB0089A, AM SB 89, introduced 02/07/2025: 08.64.010, 08.64.107, 08.64.206, 08.64.200, 08.64.230, 08.64.255, 08.64.250, 08.64.205, 08.64.209, 08.64.270, 08.64.225, 08.64.275, 08.64.279, 08.64.312, 08.64.326, 18.16.010, 09.55.535, 08.64.363, 08.64.334, 08.64.336, 08.64.101, 44.62.310, 18.23.030, 08.64.360, 08.64.370, 08.02.130, 08.64.380, 11.71.900, 13.52.390, 18.08.089, 21.07.010, 23.30.395, 23.30.095, 33.30.901
SB0089B, AM CSSB 89(L&C), introduced 05/19/2025: 08.64.010, 08.64.107, 08.64.206, 08.64.200, 08.64.230, 08.64.255, 08.64.250, 08.64.205, 08.64.209, 08.64.270, 08.64.225, 08.64.275, 08.64.279, 08.64.312, 08.64.326, 18.16.010, 09.55.535, 08.64.363, 08.64.334, 08.64.336, 08.64.101, 44.62.310, 18.23.030, 08.64.360, 08.64.370, 08.02.130, 08.64.380, 11.71.900, 13.52.390, 18.08.089, 21.07.010, 23.30.395, 23.30.095, 33.30.901