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Justice Vetoes Revised Practice for Physician Assistants
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – Gov. Jim Justice has vetoed legislation that would revise the scope of practice for physician assistants in West Virginia and authorize them to work in collaboration with a doctor rather than under their supervision.
The bill approved by the Legislature also would have removed the requirement that physician assistants maintain current certifications from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
In his veto message, Justice says he appreciates the importance of enabling them to practice “to the fullest extent of their training and promoting patient access to health care,” but the bill would weaken longstanding safeguards.
He says the state must also ensure West Virginia patients get treatment from providers “who are current with clinical knowledge.”