AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, Rep. Michelle Boyer, D-Cape Elizabeth, introduced a bill before the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee, which would expand physician associates’ (PAs) scope of practice.
Maine faces a severe health care workforce shortage, with over 85,000 residents living in areas with limited access to care. Currently, PAs – nationally certified, state-licensed primary care clinicians – are only able to deliver care when practicing in partnership with a physician. LD 2088 would remove the restrictions that prevent PAs from independently caring for patients without a physician present.
“In the past year, we have seen hospitals and healthcare centers close across the state, not only impacting clinicians’ ability to practice medicine, but also residents' ability to access care,” said Boyer. “LD 2088 provides the Legislature with the opportunity to address two problems in one bill. It would create more workforce opportunities for qualified healthcare professionals and increase access to care for Mainers across the state. When physician associates are able to practice at the top of their licensure, we all benefit.”
Organizations like the American Academy of Physician Associates, Maine Academy of Physician Associates and Maine Primary Care Association spoke in favor of the measure.
“Maine’s community health centers (CHCs) are feeling the strain of ongoing workforce shortages, and PAs are a vital part of their care teams,” said Megan Stewart, the director of government relations for the Maine Primary Care Association. “By modernizing practice and consultation requirements for PAs and allowing them to practice to the full extent of their education, training, and competencies, LD 2088 would help CHCs more fully utilize their workforce while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, safety and continuity of care.”
The Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee will hold a work session on this measure in the coming weeks.
Rep. Boyer is serving her first term in the Maine House. She is a member of the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee and represents District 123, which includes most of Cape Elizabeth.
Contact: Brian Lee (Boyer) | 305-965-2744