This bill amends various sections of South Dakota's laws regarding the practice criteria for physician assistants (PAs). Key changes include the introduction of a new provision allowing PAs to practice without a collaborative agreement if they are certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and have completed at least six thousand practice hours. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of "collaborative agreement" and stipulates that a physician entering such an agreement must not be under any disciplinary action. The bill also allows PAs to authenticate documents similarly to physicians and enables them to bill for and receive direct payment for medically necessary services.
Several sections of the existing law are repealed, including those that may have previously limited the scope of practice or requirements for PAs. The bill emphasizes the professional and legal responsibility of PAs for the care they provide and outlines the renewal process for their licenses, which includes continuing education requirements. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the practice capabilities of physician assistants while ensuring they maintain appropriate standards of care and accountability.
Statutes affected: Introduced, 01/17/2025: 36-4A-1, 36-4A-1.1, 36-4A-4, 36-4A-5, 36-4A-8, 36-4A-8.1, 36-4A-20.1, 36-4A-26.1, 36-4A-26.2, 36-4A-26.3, 36-4A-30, 36-4A-31, 36-4A-37, 36-4A-42, 36-4A-29, 36-4A-29.1, 36-4A-29.2, 36-4A-32, 36-4A-38
Senate Health and Human Services Engrossed, 02/24/2025: 36-4A-1, 36-4A-1.1, 36-4A-4, 36-4A-5, 36-4A-8, 36-4A-8.1, 36-4A-20.1, 36-4A-26.1, 36-4A-26.2, 36-4A-26.3, 36-4A-30, 36-4A-31, 36-4A-37, 36-4A-42, 36-4A-29, 36-4A-29.1, 36-4A-29.2, 36-4A-32, 36-4A-38
Enrolled, 03/06/2025: 36-4A-1, 36-4A-1.1, 36-4A-4, 36-4A-5, 36-4A-8, 36-4A-8.1, 36-4A-20.1, 36-4A-26.1, 36-4A-26.2, 36-4A-26.3, 36-4A-30, 36-4A-31, 36-4A-37, 36-4A-42, 36-4A-29, 36-4A-29.1, 36-4A-29.2, 36-4A-32, 36-4A-38