Experienced Delaware physician associates may apply to practice independently

Physician associates with more than 6,000 hours of post-graduate clinical practice may apply to the Council for independent practice authority. The provision covers Delaware-licensed physician associates with more than 6,000 hours of post-graduate clinical practice. Applicants must receive independent practice authority before practicing without a collaborative agreement. The Council must create separate application forms for settings with and without a licensed Delaware physician; applicants in settings without one must show training that fits their practice areas. The Act is effective immediately, but implementation is due by the earlier of one year after enactment or Board approval of the Council’s regulations.

The law calls physician assistants “physician associates” and says the name change does not alter billing or payment policies. The provision applies to people who hold themselves out as physician assistants or physician associates in Delaware. The law says the name change does not alter existing billing, reimbursement, or payment policies, and insurers may not deny payment solely because of the new name. The name change takes effect on the Act’s effective date; the Act is effective immediately.

Physician associates must be authorized to bill for, and receive direct payment for, medically necessary services they provide. The provision concerns medically necessary services delivered by physician associates. When appropriate, the associate must be identified as the professional who provided the service in billing and claims. Insurers and other payers may not impose practice, education, or collaboration requirements that conflict with or exceed state law or regulations. The Act is effective immediately, but implementation is due by the earlier of one year after enactment or Board approval of the Council’s regulations.