This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the role of physician assistants (PAs) by allowing them to own medical practices and become shareholders in medical corporations. It establishes that PAs are recognized as a professional service under the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, which provides a legal framework for their business operations. However, the bill also includes provisions that deny licensure or authorization to PAs who have a proprietary interest in referrals, ensuring that they adhere to ethical standards similar to those of other medical professionals.

In addition to expanding the rights of PAs, the bill introduces new regulations for the licensure and discipline of physicians and podiatrists. It allows the board to deny licenses based on criminal convictions and outlines the procedures for disciplinary actions, including the rights of the accused and the board's obligations to disclose evidence. The bill also mandates confidentiality in mediation processes and requires the board to report criminal activity by licensees to law enforcement. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen the professional standing of PAs while ensuring regulatory compliance and accountability within the medical field.

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