HB 497 -- Physician Assistants

Sponsor:  Sater

This bill 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 55% of the
clinic's hours for practice supervision and collaboration when
utilizing physician assistants and 10% of the time when working
in federally funded clinics.  Physician assistants must practice
within 30 miles of the supervising physician or within 50 miles
if practicing in a federally funded clinic.  Prior to allowing a
physician assistant to practice without the physician being
physically present, the physician assistant will practice for one
month with continuous physician supervision.

After January 1, 2008, physician assistant applicants must have a
master's degree in a health or medical science related field.

The bill also voids and makes it against public policy to require
any physician to enter into any contract or other agreement to
act as a supervising physician for any physician assistant.  A
physician has the right to refuse to act as a supervising
physician, and no contract will limit the supervising physician's
ultimate authority over any protocols or standing orders.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:19 am