H.B. 284 enables physician assistants to provide expanded services, including the authority to determine and pronounce death in specified circumstances, issue a do-not-resuscitate order, insert or remove chest tubes, and prescribe physical or occupational therapy. This legislation also makes provisions to include military education among the requirements listed to receive physician assistants. Military members who have served on active duty in a physician assistant position for over three years will qualify for the certificate.

“This legislation is necessary to ensure that Ohioans are receiving the highest quality of care by enabling physicians to be able to fully utilize their physician assistants on staff,” said Representative Gonzales. “Physician assistants receive higher education in the medical field and are fully capable of performing the healthcare services that this legislation allows them to administer. Bridging the gap between services that can be performed by a physician assistant and those that must be performed by a physician is the best way to ensure patients are being cared for in a timely manner.”