This bill amends current New Jersey law to establish a certification process for orthopedic assistants, defining them as professional physician extenders who meet specific criteria set by the National Board for Certification of Orthopedic Physician Assistants (NBCOPA). The bill outlines the qualifications necessary for certification, including passing a certification examination and maintaining compliance with NBCOPA requirements. It also grants the Physician Assistant Advisory Committee and the State Board of Medical Examiners the authority to evaluate and approve candidates for certification, while prohibiting individuals from practicing or representing themselves as orthopedic assistants without valid certification.

Additionally, the bill specifies that orthopedic assistants must work under the supervision of licensed orthopedic physicians and delineates the services they are permitted to perform, which include patient evaluations, assisting in surgeries, and applying orthopedic devices. The certification is valid for two years and must be renewed, requiring proof of continued compliance with NBCOPA standards. The bill emphasizes the importance of malpractice insurance coverage for orthopedic assistants and mandates that any changes to the services they provide be reported to the committee within 45 days.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:9-27.23, 45:9-27.26