This bill amends the laws governing physician assistants in Alaska by introducing significant changes to their regulation and practice. It establishes that the State Medical Board will include one licensed physician assistant as a member, thereby enhancing representation within the board. The bill repeals and reenacts the section on the scope of practice for physician assistants, detailing the acts they may perform, requirements for practicing in new specialties, and competency evaluation methods. It mandates that physician assistants maintain a collaborative agreement with a supervising physician, while also outlining conditions for independent practice after acquiring sufficient postgraduate clinical experience.

Additionally, the bill sets forth new qualifications for physician assistant applicants, including proof of graduation from an accredited program and current certification. It expands the board's authority to issue temporary permits and allows for exemptions from continuing education requirements under certain conditions. The bill emphasizes collaboration between physician assistants and supervising physicians, while ensuring accountability and professional conduct standards are upheld. It also updates the definition of "practice of medicine" to include physician assistants, clarifies the use of the title "doctor" for non-physician doctorate holders, and modifies contract requirements between healthcare providers and insurers to prevent overly restrictive practices on physician assistants. Notably, it removes the requirement for direct supervision by a licensed physician or psychiatrist, granting physician assistants greater autonomy in their roles.

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