The bill amends the General Laws regarding physician assistants by increasing the number of members on the Board of Licensure from seven to nine, with five members being physician assistants. It modifies the appointment terms for board members, requiring three members to serve terms of three years and three members to serve terms of two years. The bill removes the requirement for physician assistants to practice under the direct supervision of a physician, allowing them to collaborate, consult, or refer to other healthcare team members based on their education, experience, and the patient's condition. It clarifies that the degree of collaboration is determined by the practice setting, including decisions made by the employer, group, hospital service, and the credentialing and privileging systems of a licensed facility. Additionally, the bill establishes that physician assistants are responsible for the care they provide.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section that permits licensed physician assistants to receive direct payments from the Department of Human Services for medical services rendered. The director is tasked with creating rules, regulations, and fee schedules to facilitate these direct payments, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Overall, the act aims to enhance the role of physician assistants in healthcare delivery and streamline their ability to receive compensation for their services.