The bill amends the General Laws concerning "Physician Assistants" by updating definitions, licensure criteria, and continuing medical education requirements. It introduces a new definition for "collaboration," which emphasizes the involvement of affiliated physicians in the practice of physician assistants. Additionally, it mandates that physician assistants undergo a criminal history records check for both initial licensure and renewal starting January 1, 2027. The continuing medical education requirement is revised, increasing from twenty-five to fifty hours and changing from an annual to a biannual frequency.

The bill also voids restrictive covenants in contracts with physician assistants, allowing them greater freedom to practice after leaving a position. It removes previous restrictions on physician assistants rendering charitable care, provided they have liability coverage. Furthermore, it permits physician assistants to provide aid under The School and Youth Programs Concussion Act and The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act.

In relation to school districts, the bill requires the development and implementation of guidelines for evaluating student athletes who exhibit symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest. It mandates that these athletes be evaluated and cleared for return to participation in writing by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or certified registered nurse practitioner. The bill also encourages the presence of an athletic trainer or similarly trained individual at relevant events and requires that parents and guardians receive information about the warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest before each sports season.

Statutes affected:
2868: 5-54-28, 16-91-3, 16-91.1-3