SB 659 - This act modifies the regulation and supervision of physician assistants. The definition of "supervision" requires that there be direct, on-site control in the same office where the physician is present.

Physician assistants are prohibited from performing any of the listed procedures in Section 334.735, RSMo, on a new patient without prior examination, evaluation and diagnosis of the supervising physician. For the treatment of existing patients, physician assistants must obtain prior approval through a documented order, signed and dated by the physician. Any physician assistant practicing under a physician supervision agreement must notify the Board of Registration for the Healing Arts in order for the Board to track the agreement and make it available to the public.

The current subsection (8) of section 334.735, which deals with certain physician supervision agreements, is deleted. New language requires physician assistants to carry individual liability insurance in an amount no less than $1 million dollars. New language also states that it will be against public policy to make contracts or agreements that require a physician to supervise a physician assistant without also providing a right to refuse supervision if the physician assistant is not believed to have the necessary level of skill and competence.

This act is identical to SB 874 (2000).
LORIE TOWE