SCS SB 1032 -- PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

SPONSOR:  Cauthorn (Sater)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of 12 to 3.

This substitute expands the definition of "supervision" of
physician assistants to allow supervising physicians to be
available via telecommunications for consultation, assistance, or
intervention.  Supervising physicians must be present a minimum
of 50% of the clinic's hours for supervision and collaboration
when utilizing physician assistants.  No physician will supervise
more than three physician assistants; however, this provision
does not apply to physician agreements with hospital employees.

Physician assistants practicing in federally designated health
professional shortage areas will be limited to practicing at
locations where the supervising physician is personally present
for supervision and collaboration for a minimum of 30% of the
clinic's hours and no further than 50 miles from the physician
assistant for the remaining time the clinic is open.

The substitute requires, after January 1, 2007, that applicants
for a physician's assistant license have a master's degree in a
health or medical science related field.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill increases access to
care and is not an attempt to set up independent practices.
Missouri is the only state that has no onsite percentage
supervision requirements.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Cauthorn; and Missouri
Hospital Association.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that it is not for
greater access to care, but is an attempt for physician
assistants to increase their scope of practice and establish
independent practices.

Testifying against the bill were Representative Schaaf; Missouri
Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons; and Missouri
Academy of Family Physicians.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say due to the varying
interpretations of court-ordered rules, the State Board of
Registration for the Healing Arts would like some clarification
through the statutes.

Others testifying on the bill was State Board of Registration for
the Healing Arts.

Bob Dominique, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:47 am