aw expands rights, duties, authority, and legal protection of physician assistants

“Physician assistant,” “licensed physician assistant,” “physician assistant services,” and related terms will be added to more than 160 state statutes that give physicians and other health care providers certain rights, duties, and protections, or authority to perform certain acts.

Some of the changes include:

• updating statute allowing licensed physicians to authorize the administration of opiate antagonists, such as naloxone;

• permitting licensed physician assistants to authorize the seclusion of patients at risk of self-harm in detox facilities; and

• permitting physician assistants to assess the level of care needed by children with disabilities who are eligible for Medical Assistance.

The law also removes language related to physician assistants acting under the direction of a physician and makes technical and clarifying changes.

Rep. Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove) and Sen. Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake) sponsor the law that takes effect Aug. 1, 2022.

HF3989*/SF3501/CH58

HF3989* / SF3501 / CH58