Physician Assistants Scope of Practice Expansion in Florida

Just as is the case with Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, the Florida Legislature has recognized that Physician Assistants (PA) are capable of performing certain health care activities that they were previously prohibited from performing. The changes are largely administrative and does not significantly increase the independent clinical services that they may provide to a patient. On June 29, 2021, the governor approved House Bill 431, which expands the scope of practice for Physician Assistants. The provisions set forth in the House Bill 431 took effect on July 1, 2021.

Notably, the law does not permit PA to sign for medical marijuana certification, workers compensation medical examinations required to determine maximum medical improvement, and impairment ratings. Florida PA are bound by the requirements contained in Florida Statute §§458.347 and 459.022.

One of the more noteworthy changes to the law is that it deletes the requirement that a physician assistant must inform his or her patients that they have the right to see a physician before the physician assistant prescribes or dispenses a prescription (amendment to Fla. Stat. §458.347(4)(e)(1)) and Fla. Admin. Code R. 64B8-30.012.  Also, physician assistants are now authorized to procure drugs and medical devices and revising the requirements for a certain formulary (amendment to Fla. Stat. §458.347(4)(f)(1) and Fla. Admin. Code R. 64B8-30.008).