Permits physician assistants to practice without a physician's direct supervision and receives direct payments from Medicaid.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Physician Assistant Independence

This bill would change how physician assistants (PAs) are allowed to practice medicine in Rhode Island. Currently, PAs are required to work under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. This bill would remove that requirement, allowing PAs to see and treat patients on their own, without needing a supervising doctor overseeing their work. This would give PAs greater professional independence in how they run their practices and deliver care.

The bill also addresses how PAs get paid for their services. Under current rules, Medicaid — the government health insurance program for low-income individuals and families — may not pay PAs directly for their services. This legislation would allow Medicaid to send payments directly to physician assistants, rather than routing that money through a supervising physician or a larger medical practice.

The people most directly affected by this bill include physician assistants themselves, who would gain more professional freedom and a clearer path to running independent practices. Patients — particularly low-income Rhode Islanders who rely on Medicaid — could also be affected, as more independently practicing PAs might increase access to healthcare, especially in areas where doctors are in short supply. Physicians and medical practices that currently employ or supervise PAs may also see changes in how they structure those working relationships.

The bill has been introduced and referred to the House Health & Human Services Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further legislative action is taken.