Physician Assistant Board backs AB 1501 to extend board, raise supervision ratio and update fees

The California Physician Assistant Board voted on Aug. 15 to support Assembly Bill 1501, the board's sunset-review bill, and approved related regulatory language contingent on the bill's enactment.

Board President Vasco De Ankit told members that AB 1501 would extend the board's operation through Jan. 1, 2030, and would update the state's supervision ratio for physician assistants from 1 physician to 4 PAs to 1 physician to 8 PAs in most practice settings. De Ankit said the change would align California with modern clinical practice and a separate statute already permitting a 1:8 ratio in some home health settings.

The bill, De Ankit said, also contains fee adjustments. Staff described the fee structure included in the bill as a $60 application fee, a $250 initial license fee, and a $300…