New Florida Law Secures Critical Component of OTP for PAs

Priority Bill for FAPA Gives PAs Majority in Regulation of Profession

July 1, 2020

On June 29, 2020, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 713 into law. The legislation, which became effective on July 1, 2020, was one of several priority bills this session for the Florida Academy of PAs (FAPA). The new law modifies the composition of the PA Council (Council) to give PAs a majority in the regulation of the profession. This is one of the pillars of Optimal Team Practice (OTP).

As the regulatory body that oversees PA practice, the Council: (1) recommends the licensure of PAs to the FL Department of Health, 2) develops all rules regulating PA practice with physicians, 3) makes recommendations to the FL Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine regarding all matters relating to PAs, and, (4) addresses concerns and problems of practicing PAs in order to improve safety in PA clinical practice. Prior to the enactment of this legislation, the Council consisted of one PA and four physicians; it will now be comprised of three PAs and two physicians.

AAPA supported FAPA with research, language review, and media and grassroots outreach. FAPA will continue to build upon this significant victory in the 2021 legislative session.

For more information on this legislation or PA practice in Florida, contact Stephanie Radix, senior director, state advocacy and outreach.