Panel advances bill letting experienced physician assistants practice without practice agreement after three years

Delegate Hansen presented HB746, which would authorize physician assistants who can document at least three years of full‑time clinical experience and receive an attestation from a collaborating physician or podiatrist to practice without a formal practice agreement.

Several physician assistants testified in support. "We have lots of needs, especially in primary care and rural care," Eric Grant, a PA and educator, told the committee, arguing that other states have adopted similar rules to expand access. Emily Waller, who practices in a HRSA‑designated rural health clinic, said the bill would help keep care available where physician recruitment has been difficult.

Committee members asked for comparative training data between PAs and nurse practitioners; witnesses responded that training lengths and clinical contact hours are roughly comparable, with PAs often having substantial clinical hours.

The clerk recorded the vote: Ayes 12, Noes 2, 1 abstention. The bill was reported out of committee.

Why it matters: Proponents said the change would expand access to care in underserved areas; opponents (if any) raised questions over training equivalence and oversight. The committee recorded the recommendation and the matter will move forward in the legislative process.

Provenance: Testimony and the roll call are recorded in SEG 941–1060 and SEG 1056–1059.