The bill seeks to amend 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 removal of terms such as "collaborating physician" and "collaboration," which previously mandated oversight by a physician. The bill also repeals requirements for practice notifications and collaboration agreements, thereby allowing physician assistants to operate autonomously. Additionally, it prohibits the boards from enacting rules that would limit the independent practice of physician assistants.

Moreover, the bill introduces a special volunteer license for retired physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses, enabling them to provide care to indigent patients without compensation, while also offering immunity from liability except in cases of gross negligence. It clarifies that certified nurse practitioners can prescribe medications without a collaborative relationship with a physician and modifies the composition of the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses. The bill mandates the Board of Nursing to report to the Legislature on the implementation and impact of these changes by July 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, while also outlining the responsibilities related to collaborative agreements for prescriptive authority for certain APRNs.

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