This bill amends existing New Jersey law to authorize podiatric physicians to supervise physician assistants in the performance of podiatric medical services. It incorporates podiatric physicians into various provisions that currently regulate the oversight provided by state-licensed physicians. The State Board of Medical Examiners will determine the specific podiatric medical and surgical procedures that physician assistants can perform in settings such as podiatric medicine offices, health care facilities, institutions, veterans' homes, or private homes. Additionally, the bill establishes that it is considered professional misconduct for a podiatric physician to allow a physician assistant to practice outside the provisions of the law governing physician assistants.

Furthermore, the bill allows podiatric physicians to maintain a written delegation agreement with physician assistants, who must sign separate agreements with each supervising podiatric physician. These agreements must outline the physician assistant's role, any required consultations with the supervising podiatric physician, and the locations where the physician assistant is authorized to practice. The bill also clarifies that a physician assistant is presumed to be the agent of the supervising podiatric physician during all practice-related activities. Overall, this legislation aims to enhance the collaborative practice between podiatric physicians and physician assistants while ensuring compliance with established regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:9-27.11, 45:9-27.15, 45:9-27.18, 45:9-27.19, 45:9-27.20