Senate Bill 31 aims to establish state agency status for certain physician assistants and advanced practice nurse prescribers who provide uncompensated services for local health departments or school districts. The bill specifies that these healthcare providers, when acting within the scope of their services, will be considered state agents of the Department of Health Services (DHS). This designation provides them with legal protections, including coverage for damages and costs in any legal actions arising from their professional conduct. The bill also allows these professionals to supervise immunization programs and issue orders for immunizations, provided they follow written protocols from DHS.

Key amendments in the bill include the addition of definitions for "advanced practice nurse prescriber" and "physician assistant," as well as the inclusion of these roles in the legal protections previously reserved for physicians. The title of Section 251.07 is changed to reflect a broader category of "health care providers," and specific provisions are made to ensure that non-compensated healthcare providers are recognized as state agents under various legal statutes. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the role of physician assistants and advanced practice nurses in public health initiatives while ensuring they have the necessary legal protections.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 165.25(6)(c), 165.25, 251.07(title), 251.07, 252.04(9), 252.04, 895.46(5)(b), 895.46