The bill amends sections 458.347 and 459.022 of the Florida Statutes to enhance the practice of physician assistants (PAs) by allowing them to register and practice without physician supervision under specific conditions. It introduces a new legislative intent focused on ensuring accessible, high-quality medical care at reasonable costs, while emphasizing the collaborative role of PAs with physicians and other healthcare practitioners. The definition of a physician assistant is revised, and new criteria for unsupervised registration are established, including requirements for clinical practice hours, financial responsibility, and completion of conditions set by the council.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the activities that registered PAs can perform independently, such as practicing in various medical specialties, managing patient care in healthcare facilities, and providing necessary documentation typically required from physicians. However, PAs are restricted from performing surgical procedures that penetrate deeper than the subcutaneous tissue. The bill mandates biennial registration renewal and requires PAs to inform new patients about their qualifications and the nature of their practice. The council is tasked with establishing standards of practice and ensuring transparency in the licensing of PAs under this new framework, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2026.