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Barriers for PAs volunteering to serve indigent populations
Clair Talmadge1, Virginia Joslin
1PA program, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga, USA.
Summary
Physician assistants (PAs) face legal hurdles when volunteering due to liability and supervision rules. However, legislative changes in some states are now enabling PAs to volunteer legally.
Area of Science:
- Medical Law
- Public Health Policy
- Physician Assistant Studies
Background:
- Physician assistants (PAs) are integral to healthcare delivery.
- Volunteerism by PAs can address healthcare access gaps.
- Existing legal frameworks pose challenges to PA volunteerism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the legal barriers preventing physician assistants (PAs) from volunteering.
- To identify legislative trends addressing these barriers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of state statutes and regulations concerning PA practice and volunteerism.
- Review of legal scholarship on healthcare professional liability and scope of practice.
Main Results:
- Lack of clear liability coverage requirements hinders PA volunteer engagement.
- Supervision and authorization mandates create administrative burdens for volunteer PAs.
- Several states are actively amending laws to facilitate PA volunteer opportunities.
Conclusions:
- Legislative reform is crucial for enabling PA volunteerism.
- Removing unnecessary legal barriers can expand healthcare access through PA contributions.
- Policy changes are creating more opportunities for PAs to serve communities voluntarily.