The bill amends the General Laws in Chapter 5-54, which pertains to physician assistants, by updating the definition of "collaboration" to reflect that the degree of collaboration is determined by the practice and may involve decisions made by various medical entities or systems. It maintains the requirement for a physician to be accessible for consultation with the physician assistant at all times. The bill also introduces a new section, 5-54-28, allowing physician assistants to volunteer their services without a collaborating physician at certain events or facilities, provided they do so without compensation and have adequate professional liability coverage.

Additionally, the bill makes restrictive covenants in contracts with physician assistants unenforceable, particularly those that limit their right to practice post-employment, except in the case of practice sales with a non-compete clause not exceeding five years. It also includes physician assistants and certified nurse practitioners in the list of professionals who can clear youth athletes for return to play after a concussion or signs of sudden cardiac arrest. The bill mandates a one-time training for medical professionals on cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer's disease, by October 1, 2023, and takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5284: 16-91-3, 16-91.1-3, 23-1.7-5