Currently, Illinois physician assistants (PAs) collaboratively practice with a physician. This collaborating physician delegates the health care tasks that the PA may perform. The relationship is formalized using a written collaboration agreement that lays out treatments and services that are authorized. Under HB 2468, PAs would no longer need physician collaboration once certain requirements are met.

Initially, PAs would still practice according to the written collaborative agreement with a physician. However, once the PA completed 2,000 hours of postgraduate clinical experience and 250 hours of continuing education, they would no longer need the written agreement to practice. Instead, the PA would practice under what the bill refers to as “optimal practice.” PAs working under optimal practice would be able to independently prescribe medications, including Schedule II-V controlled substances. They would have a broad scope of practice based on their training, education and experience. However, they would only be able to assist in operative surgery—they would not be able to perform it. A PA’s employer could still require that they practice under a written agreement, and optimal practice does not authorize a PA to perform any treatment that is limited by law or rule to physicians only.

It is important to note that HB 2468, while making PAs effectively independent, stops short of giving them full independence. PAs with optimal practice are still prohibited from owning medical corporations or PLLCs. So, PAs under this bill would still need to work within the current ownership rules for medical practices.

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 2468 is squarely within this trend. 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 this link. HB 2468.