The bill amends the Physician Assistant Act in New Mexico to eliminate certain supervisory requirements for physician assistants (PAs) by licensed physicians. Specifically, it allows PAs to practice independently, enabling them to make decisions regarding patient care and to prescribe and distribute dangerous drugs (excluding controlled substances in Schedule I) without the need for supervision or collaboration with a physician. The bill also repeals the section that mandated the registration of supervising or collaborating physicians, thereby streamlining the licensure process for PAs.

Additionally, the bill updates the licensure fees for PAs and clarifies the board's authority to establish rules regarding the education, skill, and experience required for licensure, as well as the prescribing practices of PAs. The amendments aim to enhance the autonomy of physician assistants in their practice while ensuring that they remain accountable through the licensing and regulatory framework established by the board.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 61-6-19, 61-6C-3, 61-6C-8