Senate Bill 435 proposes significant changes to the legal framework surrounding 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" and the criteria under which physician associates can practice independently. To qualify for independent practice, a physician associate must complete 7,680 hours of clinical practice under the supervision of a physician or through a collaborative agreement, while also maintaining documentation of professional relationships with physicians and participation in quality assurance programs.

Additionally, the bill allows physician associates to provide treatment for pain syndromes using invasive techniques under specific conditions, including having privileges in a hospital. It also mandates that physician associates who qualify for independent practice participate in the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund, which provides excess medical malpractice coverage. The bill aims to modernize the role of physician associates, enhancing their autonomy while ensuring patient safety and quality care through established guidelines and requirements.

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