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This bill modifies several provisions relating to assistant physicians.
The bill adjusts the definition of "assistant physician" by expanding the eligibility to persons who have completed step 2 or 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The bill also repeals certain provisions governing the conditions of the three-year period preceding the application for licensure as an assistant physician that included graduation from a medical or osteopathic medical college, as well as whether the person was serving as a resident physician.
This bill also adds to the definition of an "assistant physician collaborative practice arrangement" to include such arrangements occurring in a federally qualified health center, as well as providing that the provisions limiting the assistant physician within the collaborative practice arrangement do not apply to those receiving postgraduate training under an authorized preceptor, as specified in the bill.
Current law requires health benefit plans or carriers to reimburse assistant physicians for services on the same basis as reimbursement for comparable mid-level health care providers, including physician assistants. This bill adds certified nurse practitioners to this provision.
The bill also designates the Department of Commerce and Insurance as the entity enforcing the above provisions of this bill.
The bill provides a pathways for an assistant physician with a license in good standing to become a licensed physician.
The assistant physician is eligible if he or she:
(1) Has an active license without any disciplinary actions;
(2) Has completed Step 3 of the USMLE or the equivalent;
(3) Has completed 60 months of cumulative, full-time, hands-on active collaborative practice, which includes bimonthly didactic training reports to the collaborative physician; (4) Has completed at least 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years; and
(5) Has submitted to the board letters of recommendation from certain physicians.
After August 28, 2031, an assistant physician applying to become a licensed physician will also be required to completed postgraduate training under a preceptor as specified in the bill.
This bill is similar to HB 1010 (2025).
Statutes affected: