H 2371
An Act removing barriers to care for physician assistants
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- Passed House
- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill aims to expand the roles and responsibilities of physician assistants (PAs) in Massachusetts. It seeks to remove existing barriers that may limit their ability to provide care and improve access to healthcare services. The legislation focuses on licensing, supervision, and the scope of practice for PAs, with the goal of increasing their contribution to the healthcare system. Specifically, it addresses issues related to psychiatric holds and interstate compacts.
Key provisions
- Expands the scope of practice for physician assistants.
- Addresses licensing requirements for PAs.
- Clarifies supervision guidelines for PAs.
- Potential provisions related to authorizing psychiatric holds.
- Consideration of an interstate compact for PAs.
Who is affected
- Physician Assistants
- Patients in Massachusetts
- Healthcare Providers
- The Healthcare System
- Medical Professionals
Notable changes
- May alter current licensing and supervision regulations for PAs.
- Could expand the types of services PAs are permitted to provide.
- Addresses the possibility of interstate practice for PAs through a compact.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Christine P. Barber
Cosponsors
Adrian C. Madaro
Adrianne Pusateri Ramos
Christine P. Barber
Christopher M. Markey
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.2371 194th (Current)
An Act removing barriers to care for physician assistants
By Representative Barber of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2371) of Christine P. Barber and others relative to the licensing, supervision and scope of practice of physicians assistants. Public Health.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Christine P. Barber Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 7 actions for Bill H.2371
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Public Health |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 7/3/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/14/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-1 |
| 7/14/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 07/14/2025 from 10:00 AM-02:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 10/27/2025 | House | Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing |
| 12/8/2025 | House | Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 3/19/2026 | House | Reporting date extended to Monday, June 15, 2026 |
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