Massachusetts PAs seek removal of supervision requirements

Physician assistants (PAs) in Massachusetts are pushing to remove supervision requirements that limit their practice. They seek to make permanent COVID-era changes that allow them to work without being tied to a specific supervising physician, aiming to address the state's primary care shortage. The Massachusetts Association of PAs argues that this change would enhance flexibility in healthcare delivery. Recent data shows that PAs and nurse practitioners now outnumber physicians in community health centers, highlighting their growing role in patient care. However, the Massachusetts Medical Society opposes these changes, emphasizing the importance of physician-led care for patient safety. They argue that expanding PA responsibilities won't significantly improve access to primary care, as only a small percentage of PAs currently work in that field.