This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to grant physician assistants the authority to own businesses and practice independently without the requirement for supervision, marking a significant change in their regulatory framework. It repeals existing laws that mandate supervision, allowing physician assistants to operate within the scope of their education, training, and licensure. The bill also establishes that physician assistants will be held to the same standard of care as other licensed healthcare providers and recognizes their profession as a "professional service" under the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. Additionally, it introduces provisions for the discipline and licensing of physician assistants, aligning them with regulations for physicians and podiatrists, and allows the board to deny licenses under specific circumstances.

Moreover, the bill outlines new requirements for medical corporations, specifying that shareholders must be licensed physicians or physician assistants, and mandates that medical corporations cease operations if they do not maintain the required licensed shareholders. It also introduces independent practice authority for physician assistants, nullifying existing collaborative agreements and allowing them to perform all acts they are trained and licensed to do without oversight. The bill emphasizes the board's responsibility to report criminal activity by licensees and includes provisions for mediation in disciplinary matters, ensuring confidentiality. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the regulatory framework for medical practice while ensuring public safety and accountability among healthcare providers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-3-14, 30-3-15, 31B-13-1301, 30-3E-21
Engrossed Version: 30-3-14, 30-3-15, 31B-13-1301, 30-3E-21