This bill revises the provisions related to the practice of physician assistants in South Dakota. Key amendments include the introduction of new definitions such as "collaborating physician," "collaboration," and the clarification of the term "physician assistant" as a "health care provider." The bill establishes that a collaborative agreement must be signed by both the physician assistant and the collaborating physician, detailing the delegated activities the physician assistant may perform. It also emphasizes that a physician must be free from any disciplinary actions that would restrict their ability to collaborate. Additionally, the bill specifies that a signed copy of the collaborative agreement must be kept on file at the physician assistant's primary practice site and approved by the board before the physician assistant can begin practice.

Further amendments include the clarification that a physician assistant acts as an agent of the collaborating physician and outlines the responsibilities of the collaborating physician in ensuring proper care. The bill also introduces provisions for emergency medical assistance, stating that physician assistants rendering such care are not liable for civil damages under certain conditions. The board is granted authority to modify collaboration methods and the number of physician assistants a physician can collaborate with, ensuring adequate collaboration exists. Lastly, the bill includes provisions for the board to deny or revoke a physician assistant's license based on professional incompetence or violations of the collaborative agreement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/26/2025: 36-4A-1, 36-4A-1.1, 36-4A-4, 36-4A-20.1, 36-4A-26.1, 36-4A-26.2, 36-4A-26.3, 36-4A-29, 36-4A-29.1, 36-4A-37, 36-4A-42, 36-4A-29.2