SB 647
Allowing physician assistants to own practice
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would allow physician assistants (PAs) in West Virginia to own and operate their own medical practices. It amends existing state law to specifically authorize PAs to establish and manage their own businesses, ensuring they aren’t restricted from referrals based on a proprietary interest. The bill also clarifies the definition of ‘physician assistant’ and designates the profession as a ‘professional service’ for the purposes of the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, facilitating business ownership for PAs.
Key provisions
- Authorizes physician assistants to own and operate their own medical practices.
- Prohibits PAs from receiving referrals where they have a proprietary interest in a practice.
- Defines ‘physician assistant’ according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ terminology.
- Designates the profession of physician assistant as a ‘professional service’ for the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act.
- Requires hospitals and managed care organizations to report disciplinary actions against physicians and podiatrists to the board.
- Establishes a process for reporting incidents of professional misconduct by licensed healthcare providers.
- Creates a framework for professional limited liability companies (PLLCs) specifically for healthcare professionals.
- Outlines requirements for obtaining and maintaining a certificate of authorization for medical corporations.
Who is affected
- Physician Assistants
- Medical Corporations
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