The proposed bill amends the Code of West Virginia to grant qualified physician assistants and certified nurse practitioners the ability to practice independently, eliminating the need for physician supervision. Key changes include the deletion of terms such as "collaborating physician" and "collaboration," which previously mandated oversight by a licensed physician. The bill also repeals sections requiring practice notifications and collaboration agreements, thereby allowing these healthcare professionals to operate autonomously. Additionally, it prohibits the boards from proposing rules that would restrict physician assistants from practicing without physician supervision.

The bill further establishes a special volunteer license for retired physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses, enabling them to provide uncompensated medical services to indigent patients without a collaborating physician. It clarifies that certified nurse practitioners can prescribe medications independently, without needing a collaborative relationship with a physician, and outlines the eligibility criteria for prescriptive authority. The West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses is renamed to the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses, with changes in its composition to include a certified nurse practitioner. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the scope of practice for these healthcare providers, improving access to healthcare services in West Virginia.

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