Delaware has officially updated its medical terminology and expanded practice opportunities for healthcare professionals formerly known as physician assistants.
Under newly passed House Bill 325, the state will replace all references to ‘physician assistant’ with ‘physician associate’ throughout Delaware’s legal code. The terminology change does not affect any existing rights or privileges held by current practitioners.
The legislation introduces significant practice changes for experienced healthcare providers. Physician associates who have completed more than 6,000 hours of post-graduate clinical work can now seek independent practice authorization from the state’s Regulatory Council for Physician Assistants.
Previously, Delaware law required all physician associates to work under direct physician supervision at their practice locations. The new independent practice option removes this oversight requirement for qualified professionals.
The regulatory council must establish new guidelines covering several areas, including verification procedures for clinical practice hours, application processes for independent practice requests, notification requirements when practitioners change medical specialties, and criteria for approving or denying independent practice applications.
The law also addresses healthcare payment and billing practices. Physician associates will be recognized as primary care providers when working in appropriate medical specialties. Insurance payments must be processed for services within their practice scope, regardless of whether a physician or physician associate delivers the care.
Additionally, physician associates granted independent practice authority will be authorized to certify disability applications for special license plates and parking placards.
The changes take effect within one year of passage or when the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline approves the necessary implementing regulations, whichever comes first.
