New CMS Rule Changes How PAs May Work with Physicians

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently finalized its 2020 Physician Fee Schedule Rule, which changed Medicare supervision requirements for physician assistants (PAs) by largely deferring to state law on how PAs practice with physicians.

Recently, 11 states have replaced the outdated term “supervision” with other terms, such as collaboration, to better reflect current PA practice. Wisconsin PAs are seeking a similar update to the laws regulating their practice in the CARES Act (SB 515/AB 575).

The new CMS rule will align federal Medicare regulations with these state laws, which allow PAs to practice to the top of their license, education and expertise without expanding scope of practice. The new federal regulations will thus increase access to high quality care for Medicare beneficiaries.

The new CMS rule takes effect Jan. 1, 2020.

More information from the American Academy of PAs.