This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to grant qualified physician assistants and certified nurse practitioners the ability to practice independently without the supervision of a physician. Key changes include the deletion of the definitions of "collaborating physician" and "collaboration," which previously mandated oversight for physician assistants. The bill also repeals requirements for practice notifications and collaboration agreements, thereby allowing these professionals to operate autonomously. Additionally, it introduces a provision that prevents regulatory boards from imposing rules that would restrict physician assistants from practicing without physician supervision, while clarifying their scope of practice to align with their education and training.

For certified nurse practitioners, the bill removes the requirement for a collaborative relationship with a physician to prescribe medications, thereby allowing them to practice independently. It establishes a special volunteer license for retired advanced practice registered nurses to provide care to indigent patients without charge, exempting them from application and renewal fees. The composition of the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses is also revised, reducing the number of required registered professional nurses and adding a certified nurse practitioner to the board. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the autonomy of healthcare providers while ensuring adherence to professional standards and patient safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-3E-1, 30-3E-3, 30-3E-4, 30-3E-9, 30-3E-12, 30-3E-13, 30-3E-14, 30-3E-15, 30-3E-16, 30-3E-17, 30-7-1, 30-7-3, 30-7-4, 30-7-6b, 30-7-15, 30-7-15b, 30-3E-10a, 30-3E-11