Currently, New Mexico physician assistants (PAs) practice under the supervision of a physician for their first three years of practice. Supervision requires ongoing communication, direction and review of the PA’s practice. The physician must be available for immediate communication and is responsible for the acts of the PA. After completing the three years of supervision, the PA moves to a collaborative practice with a physician. Collaborating with a physician means they jointly contribute to the health care and medical treatment of the patients. Under HB 267, PAs would be able to be supervised by other PAs before working in collaboration with a physician.

Under HB 267, to qualify as a supervising PA, the PA would need to have more than three years of clinical practice and be approved by the board. The bill allows the medical board to adopt rules and criteria to govern this approval process. Once a PA is approved to supervise, they may supervise new PAs who have fewer than three years of experience. After those PAs complete three years of practice, they will be able to practice in collaboration with physicians. The scope of practice and other requirements for PAs would remain unchanged.

The majority of states allow nurse practitioners to practice independently. More recently, many states have been giving more freedom and autonomy to PAs, ranging from reduced oversight requirements all the way to full independence. HB 267 doesn’t give more practice freedom but will make it easier for new PAs to find an appropriate supervisor. If you would like additional information, to read the language of the bill or to contact the sponsors or committee, you can find the information you need through these links HB 267.