NC bill would allow physician assistants to practice in other states

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - Nearly 200 physician assistants and students are heading to Raleigh Wednesday to push for a bill that could improve access to healthcare.

This bill relates to physician assistants and their ability to provide care out of state. If a patient is on vacation in another state or moves, their North Carolina PA cannot treat them in person or virtually, unless the PA is licensed in the state. Senate Bill 190 would change that. North Carolina would join a list of other states where a PA’s license is valid across borders, including Tennessee and Virginia.

Marisa Isbell supports the bill. She is a PA and owner of River of Hope Behavioral Health Center in Asheville.

“Working in mental health as a PA it really takes a while for patients to gain your trust,” Isbell said. “When they have to make a big life change, if they have to move or are in crisis in another state, it is really important to be able to see them face-to-face and be able to connect with them,” Isbell said.

South Carolina doesn’t have legislation proposed on this, but there is a bill that would allow PA’s to provide emergency care in other states under certain circumstances.

Senate Bill 190 is currently in committee.