This bill amends current New Jersey law to establish a certification process for orthopedic assistants, who are defined as professional physician extenders meeting specific criteria set by the National Board for Certification of Orthopedic Physician Assistants (NBCOPA). The legislation empowers the Physician Assistant Advisory Committee and the State Board of Medical Examiners to evaluate candidates for certification, enforce compliance with relevant laws, and set professional standards. The bill specifies that individuals must complete NBCOPA criteria, pass a certification examination, and maintain their certification through compliance with NBCOPA requirements. It also prohibits individuals from practicing as orthopedic assistants or using the title without valid certification.

Additionally, the bill outlines the scope of practice for orthopedic assistants, which includes various patient care tasks under the supervision of a licensed orthopedic physician. The certification is valid for two years and must be renewed, requiring proof of continued compliance with NBCOPA standards. The legislation mandates that a delineation of services be established and signed by both the orthopedic assistant and supervising physician, with updates to this delineation reported to the committee within 45 days. Overall, the bill aims to regulate the practice of orthopedic assistants in New Jersey, ensuring that they are properly trained and certified to provide care.

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