The bill seeks to improve the collaborative practice framework for physician assistants (PAs) in Washington State by allowing them to operate without a delegation agreement from a supervising physician, a practice that was temporarily allowed during the public health emergency. It formalizes the ability of PAs to enter into "collaboration agreements" with physicians, replacing the previous term "practice agreement." The bill outlines the requirements for these agreements, including the need for supervision based on the PA's postgraduate clinical practice hours, and clarifies that supervision does not necessitate the physical presence of the supervising physician. Additionally, it includes protections for physicians against retaliation for not signing collaboration agreements, thereby enhancing access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas.

The legislation also amends various definitions related to mental health and substance use disorder treatment, particularly for minors. It specifies the roles of professionals involved in treatment, including the requirement for PAs to work under the supervision of a psychiatrist. The bill introduces new terms and clarifies existing definitions to ensure that treatment facilities meet specific standards. Furthermore, it outlines the process for involuntary commitment and treatment of minors, emphasizing the importance of considering less restrictive alternatives. Overall, the bill aims to refine the legal framework governing healthcare services, ensuring that care is provided by qualified professionals while safeguarding the rights of individuals undergoing treatment.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.71A.020, 18.71A.025, 18.71A.030, 18.71A.050, 18.57.001, 18.71A.120, 18.71A.150, 51.28.100, 51.32.055, 18.71.030, 18.79.290, 51.04.030, 71.05.215, 71.05.217, 71.05.310, 71.32.110, 71.32.140, 71.32.250, 71.34.020, 71.34.755, 74.09.497
Substitute Bill: 18.71A.020, 18.71A.025, 18.71A.030, 18.71A.050, 18.57.001, 18.71A.120, 18.71A.150, 51.28.100, 51.32.055, 18.71.030, 18.79.290, 51.04.030, 71.05.215, 71.05.217, 71.05.310, 71.32.110, 71.32.140, 71.32.250, 71.34.020, 71.34.755, 74.09.497
Engrossed Substitute: 18.71A.020, 18.71A.025, 18.71A.030, 18.71A.050, 18.57.001, 18.71A.120, 18.71A.150, 51.28.100, 51.32.055, 18.71.030, 18.79.290, 51.04.030, 71.05.215, 71.05.217, 71.05.310, 71.32.110, 71.32.140, 71.32.250, 71.34.020, 71.34.755, 74.09.497
Bill as Passed Legislature: 18.71A.020, 18.71A.025, 18.71A.030, 18.71A.050, 18.57.001, 18.71A.120, 18.71A.150, 51.28.100, 51.32.055, 18.71.030, 18.79.290, 51.04.030, 71.05.215, 71.05.217, 71.05.310, 71.32.110, 71.32.140, 71.32.250, 71.34.020, 71.34.755, 74.09.497
Session Law: 18.71A.020, 18.71A.025, 18.71A.030, 18.71A.050, 18.57.001, 18.71A.120, 18.71A.150, 51.28.100, 51.32.055, 18.71.030, 18.79.290, 51.04.030, 71.05.215, 71.05.217, 71.05.310, 71.32.110, 71.32.140, 71.32.250, 71.34.020, 71.34.755, 74.09.497