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News Release

                                                March 28, 2012

Governor Signs Bill Expanding

Role of Physician Assistants

Law Makes Healthcare More Accessible & Convenient

(SALEM) – Legislation which increases access to affordable quality healthcare and provides new employment opportunities for physician assistants in Oregon’s was signed into law Wednesday by Governor Kitzhaber.

Senate Bill 1565 by Senate President Peter Courtney authorizes physician assistants to dispense certain non-narcotic prescription drugs, expanding the role of PAs at a time when primary care practitioners are in short supply. It was passed by the Senate 27-1 and in the House on a 58-0 vote during the 2012 Legislative session

“This is a modest change that will make a world of difference. It makes healthcare more accessible. It makes it more convenient,” Courtney said. “If a mom can get the medication for her child from the PA who prescribed it, she saves an extra stop. She can get her child home faster and get them feeling better sooner.”

Physician Assistants are healthcare professionals who are trained and licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. In Oregon they are becoming an increasingly important part of the mix of primary care providers. The new dispensing authority is expected to create new employment opportunities for physician assistants.

“The more they can do, the more valuable they are – both to the clinics that employ them and to their patients,” Courtney said. “As their value increases so will the demand for their services. PAs are going to play a critical role in meeting the need for primary care providers in our state.”