The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the role of physician assistants (PAs) by allowing them to own medical practices and participate as shareholders in medical corporations. It introduces new legal language designating PAs as a professional service eligible for establishing a professional limited liability company. To address potential conflicts of interest, the bill stipulates that licenses or authorizations for PAs will be denied if they have a proprietary interest in referrals. Additionally, the legislation emphasizes transparency in patient referrals, requiring PAs to disclose any proprietary interests when referring patients to clinical laboratories or pharmacies.

Furthermore, the bill includes amendments to existing regulations governing medical corporations, mandating that all shareholders must be licensed medical professionals, including PAs. It outlines the procedures for issuing and renewing certificates of authorization for medical corporations and specifies that operations must cease if a corporation lacks a licensed shareholder. The bill aims to strengthen the professional standing of physician assistants while ensuring ethical practices within the healthcare system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-3-14, 30-3-15, 31B-13-1301