Twice during the pandemic, Gov. Charlie Baker loosened a state rule that required physician assistants – a highly trained cadre of medical professionals – to work under the supervision of a doctor. Baker’s executive orders enabled PAs to cover staff shortages without meeting that requirement.
The flexibility helped bring care to many during a public health crisis. It made good sense then – and still does, as part of a commonsense modernization of moribund laws that inhibit the delivery of care.
A proposed bill before the Legislature would allow PAs, who meet rigorous licensing requirements, including 2,000 hours of clinical training, to practice without having to work under the official supervision of a physician. Proponents say this will remove barriers to care. They say that when the rule was twice waived by Baker – who for 10 years ran the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care system – there were no downsides.