Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2572

Introduced
2/13/26  

Caption

Permits physician assistants to practice without a physician's direct supervision and receives direct payments from Medicaid.

Impact

The amendments proposed in S2572 will alter the landscape of healthcare service provision in Rhode Island. By removing the requirement for PAs to have direct supervision, the bill intends to empower these professionals to perform their duties more autonomously. This change could encourage more PAs to enter or remain in the workforce, thus potentially improving access to medical care, especially in underserved areas. The provision for direct payments is also expected to enhance the sustainability of practices that employ PAs, as they can bill Medicaid directly for their services without the intermediary of a supervising physician.

Summary

S2572 is a legislative bill introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly that aims to amend existing laws pertaining to the practice of physician assistants (PAs). Specifically, the bill permits physician assistants to operate without the direct supervision of a physician, which is a significant shift in the regulatory framework governing healthcare professionals in the state. Additionally, it allows PAs to receive direct payments from Medicaid for services rendered, thus streamlining the reimbursement process for their work and enhancing their financial independence within the healthcare system.

Contention

While S2572 is largely framed as a progressive step towards enhancing the role of physician assistants, there may be concerns from various stakeholders. Some medical associations might argue that the lack of direct supervision could compromise patient safety and the standard of care, especially in complex medical situations. There may also be pushback regarding the potential expansion of PAs' prescribing capabilities and their overall authority within the healthcare system, prompting discussions on training, competence, and regulatory oversight.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5351

Mandates cosmetic medical procedures be performed by a physician, PA, APRN, or delegated to a qualified non-physician, non-PA or non-APRN under the supervision of a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.

RI S0976

Mandates cosmetic medical procedures be performed by a physician, PA, APRN, or delegated to a qualified non-physician, non-PA or non-APRN under the supervision of a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse.

RI S0701

Allows advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians who are and are not licensed in Rhode Island to provide telemedicine services to patients who are in the state when those services are rendered.

RI S0695

Recognizes the program run by the Rhode Island Medical Society or comparable program for physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and podiatrists, to address burnout, substance abuse, and mental and physical health issues.

RI H6036

Recognizes the program run by the Rhode Island Medical Society or comparable program for physicians, physician assistants, dentists, and podiatrists, to address burnout, substance abuse, and mental and physical health issues.

RI S0347

Allows foreign trained physicians limited license to practice in Rhode Island under specific conditions.

RI H5108

Allows foreign trained physicians limited license to practice in Rhode Island under specific conditions.

RI S0905

Prohibits dental insurers from refusing to honor directions to pay from insured, modifying benefits to be paid. Requires providers to accept payment by virtual credit card as unfair claims practices.

RI H6155

Prohibits dental insurers from refusing to honor directions to pay from insured, modifying benefits to be paid. Requires providers to accept payment by virtual credit card as unfair claims practices.

RI H5537

Provides that advanced practice registered nurses have the same immunity from liability as physicians and surgeons.

Similar Bills

CA AB2398

Graduate medical education capacity: report.

NV AB170

Providing for the licensure of associate physicians and associate osteopathic physicians. (BDR 54-840)

GA HB1273

Professions and businesses; authorize physician assistants to receive certain delegated authorities from podiatric physicians

LA HB1143

Provides relative to physician assistants

MO HB2749

Modifies provisions relating to collaborative practice arrangements between physicians and physician assistants

NM HB267

Physician Assistants Supervising Others

MO HB3039

Modifies provisions relating to the prescriptive authority of physician assistants

DE HB325

An Act To Amend The Delaware Code Relating To Physician Associates And Physician Assistants.