Gov. Wolf Signs 5 New Laws, Expands Power Of Physician Assistants

PENNSYLVANIA — Gov. Tom Wolf signed five new bills into law Thursday, including legislation that gives physician assistants significantly more leeway and autonomy in conducting their caregiving work.

Senate Bills 397 and 398 change the nature of the existing requirement that physician assistants provide care "under the supervision and direction" of a supervising physician.

The terminology has been updated to state that a physician assistant must only be under the "supervision" not the direction, of a supervising physician.

The bills were originally introduced by State Sen. Joe Pittman in March. He argued the legislation would retain more high quality physician assistants who received their degrees from prestigious universities in the state.

“Pennsylvania is one of the premier states for physician assistant education with more than 20 programs currently in the state," Pittman said. "While many physician assistants receive their education from programs here, current legislation makes it less appealing for them to stay in Pennsylvania. These bills provide reforms that will encourage more physician assistants to practice in the Commonwealth, which will enhance the diverse range of medical professionals across our healthcare delivery system.”

The bills mark a revision of the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act and the Medical Practice Act, respectively.

Here is the other legislation signed into law by the governor this week. Click on the bill's number to learn more.

House Bill 1182

This new law gives barber schools the flexibility to offer up to 50 percent of their curriculum remotely. Only theory-based subjects can be learned remotely; no practical demonstrations are permitted.

House Bill 1183

Another similar bill changes the existing Cosmetology Law to allow cosmetology schools to also offer up to 50 percent of their curriculum remotely. Again, only theory based education is permitted to be taught from a distance.

House Bill 523

Any property owners who access their land by using a private road must maintain and repair that road.