SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5710

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 27, 1991

Brief Description:  Allowing physician assistants to provide limited podiatric care.

SPONSORS:Senators West, Niemi, Johnson and L. Kreidler.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Staff:  Scott Plack (786‑7409)

Hearing Dates:March 6, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Physician assistants are health care providers licensed under physicians and have a scope of practice which is limited to the practice of the supervising physician.  In addition, current law prohibits physician assistants from practicing activities associated with optometry, dentistry, chiropractic and podiatry.  Some believe that possible shortages of podiatrists in certain areas of the state and among certain populations (e.g., the elderly) justifies allowing physicians assistants to perform podiatric services.

SUMMARY:

The current prohibition allowing physician assistants to practice podiatry is repealed.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available