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Committee hears competing views on replacing PA supervision with collaboration; debate deferred for more testimony
Summary
Senate Bill 88, which would change statutory language governing physician assistants from a supervisory model to a collaborative model, drew substantial testimony Tuesday and was deferred for additional input.
Senate Bill 88, which would change statutory language governing physician assistants from a supervisory model to a collaborative model, drew substantial testimony Tuesday and was deferred for additional input.
Sponsor Sen. Lindsey Tichenor and representatives of the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants argued the revision updates outdated language, aligns Kentucky with neighboring states, and would reduce administrative barriers that hinder hiring and retention of PAs in underserved areas. Aaron Chalmers, president of the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants, said the change is about team-based care and not independent practice.
Aaron Chalmers, Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants: “This bill is not about seeking independent practice. It’s about taking a step toward practical, modernized, and team oriented health care.”
The Kentucky Medical Association (KMA) strongly opposed the bill. Corey Meadows, KMA deputy executive vice president and director of advocacy, said replacing "supervision" with "collaboration" is more than a wording change and risks creating vagueness in oversight, liability, and patient expectations. KMA testimony warned the change could be the first step of a multi-year effort toward greater PA autonomy.
Dr. Robert Kuhn, an emergency physician who works with PAs, testified in support, saying PAs are integral in emergency settings and that easing administrative burdens would help hiring and continuity of care in understaffed hospitals.
Why it matters: Proponents contend the change will make Kentucky more competitive for PA recruits and improve access, particularly in rural areas with staffing shortages. Opponents caution the change may create legal uncertainty about physician oversight and could lead to further statutory changes that increase PA autonomy over time.
Committee action and next steps After a period of questions and public testimony from physicians, PA representatives, and the Kentucky Medical Association, Sen. Meredith moved to defer the bill to gather more testimony. Committee members endorsed the deferral; the sponsor agreed to work with interested parties and return the measure next week for further consideration.
Ending Lawmakers said they want more data and stakeholder engagement before taking further action on the scope of physician-assistant practice and supervisory requirements.
