Assembly Bill 438 proposes significant changes to the legal framework governing physician assistants in Wisconsin, rebranding them as "physician associates." The bill amends various statutes to reflect this new terminology, including the establishment of the "Physician Associate Affiliated Credentialing Board." It allows physician associates to practice independently under specific conditions, such as completing 7,680 hours of clinical practice and maintaining professional relationships with physicians. Additionally, the bill stipulates that physician associates can provide treatment for pain syndromes using invasive techniques, either under a physician's supervision or independently if they meet certain qualifications.

The legislation also mandates that physician associates who qualify for independent practice become mandatory participants in the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund, which provides excess medical malpractice coverage. Other amendments include the removal of the term "physician assistant" from various statutes, replacing it with "physician associate," and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the newly named board. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the practice and recognition of physician associates in Wisconsin, enhancing their autonomy while ensuring patient safety and quality care.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 14.835, 15.085(1m)(b), 15.085, 15.406(7)(intro.), 15.406, 50.39(3), 50.39, 111.335(4)(jm), 111.335, 440.035(2m)(b), 440.035, 440.035(2m)(c)1.(intro.), 448.971(1), 448.971, 448.971(2), 448.972(1), 448.972, 448.972(3), 448.9725(2), 448.9725, 448.9725(3), 448.9725(4)(a), 448.9725(4)(b), 448.9727(2)(a)(intro.), 448.9727