The bill proposes amendments to the General Laws in Chapter 5-54, which pertains to physician assistants. It redefines "collaboration" to clarify the degree of collaboration required between physician assistants and physicians, indicating that decisions are made by a physician affiliated with the practice employer or a physician group practice, among others. The bill also introduces a new section, 5-54-28, allowing physician assistants to volunteer their services at various events and locations without compensation and without the presence of a collaborating physician, provided they have adequate professional liability coverage.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits restrictive covenants in contracts with physician assistants that limit their right to practice after the end of a professional relationship, except in the case of a practice sale with a covenant lasting no more than five years. It also updates the School and Youth Programs Concussion Act and the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act to include physician assistants as professionals who can evaluate and clear youth athletes for return to play. Additionally, it mandates a one-time training for medical professionals on cognitive impairments. The act will take effect upon passage, expanding the scope of practice for physician assistants and enhancing their role in voluntary healthcare services and youth sports safety.

Statutes affected:
2182: 16-91-3, 16-91.1-3, 23-1.7-5