Panel advances PA independent-practice bill after heated debate on oversight and reporting

The Joint Standing Committee advanced LD 2088, which would repeal the statutory practice-agreement requirement that currently allows some physician associates (PAs) to function as principal clinical providers only if they file a practice agreement with the Board. Under current law PAs with fewer than 4,000 hours must work under a collaborative agreement; LD 2088 would preserve that requirement for PAs with under 4,000 hours but repeal the separate practice-agreement filing requirement for more experienced PAs.

Staff explained that LD 2088 also converts an ongoing statutory consultation obligation from 'shall' to 'may,' reducing the mandatory access requirement for a physician to be available for consultation at all times. Proponents argued the change increases primary-care access, particularly in rural areas where physician coverage is limited; opponents warned it would remove transparency and oversight because the board would no longer have notice of who is practicing independently.

Multiple committee members described a potential compromise: eliminate the signed practice agreement yet require independent PAs to notify the licensing board of their practice location and scope so regulators can track emergent independent practices. After discussion and a brief caucus the committee voted 8–2 to report LD 2088 'ought to pass' and the minority report proposed a notification requirement to the board.