The Illinois State Medical Society called on May 8 for state senators to vote against Senate Bill 3421, which would allow physician assistants to practice independently. The organization said the bill could affect patient care by removing the current collaborative process between physicians and physician assistants.
Senate Bill 3421 proposes that physician assistants be granted independent practice authority after completing a set number of continuing education hours and clinical training. The Illinois State Medical Society said this change would eliminate the team-based approach currently in place.
“Physician assistants are not trained to independently practice. They do not have the training and education that physicians have. Under this bill, physician assistants will be able to provide more medical services than a medical resident who has completed their first year of residency!” the organization said.
The group also questioned whether expanding scope of practice for non-physicians increases access to care, particularly in rural areas. “There is no data in any state, including Illinois, that proves that the removing of a team approach – one that includes a physician – has incentivized healthcare professionals to move and practice in underserved areas,” according to the statement.
The Illinois State Medical Society encouraged members and residents to contact their state senators and urge them to oppose Senate Bill 3421.
