The bill amends the General Laws regarding physician assistants, redefining "collaboration" to clarify the conditions under which physician assistants consult with physicians or other healthcare professionals. It removes the requirement for a physician employer, instead requiring a physician to be accessible for consultation. The bill also adds a new section allowing physician assistants to volunteer their services without a collaborating physician at certain events and facilities, provided they do so without compensation and have adequate liability coverage.

Additionally, the bill prohibits enforcement of restrictive covenants in contracts with physician assistants 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 concussions or cardiac events and mandates training for medical professionals on cognitive impairments by October 1, 2023. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
279: 16-91-3, 16-91.1-3, 23-1.7-5