Iowa Governor Signs PA Practice Modernization Bill Into Law

Under HF 424, PAs would no longer be required to be supervised by a physician

May 10, 2023

On May 10, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law HF 424, legislation that removes the requirement for a PA to be supervised by a physician in order to practice medicine. The bill provides much-needed flexibility for providers to meet the growing healthcare needs of patients in Iowa.

“Passage of HF 424 not only makes Iowa one of the best states in the nation for PAs to practice, but it expands access to care in the state’s rural and underserved communities,” said Iowa Physician Assistant Society (IPAS) President Samantha Sparrow, PA.

“This bill moves Iowa away from old and burdensome regulations toward a modernized and flexible approach to healthcare that will benefit PAs, their employers, and the patients they serve,” Sparrow said. “IPAS extends its sincere thanks to Rep. Ann Meyer and Sen. Dawn Driscoll for their leadership on this important issue and, on behalf of the patients we serve, we applaud the General Assembly for improving access to care for Iowans.”

With the signing of the bill, Iowa becomes the sixth state to remove the requirement for a PA to have a specific relationship with a physician or other healthcare provider – a key component of an optimal team practice environment – joining Arizona, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

AAPA President and Chair of the Board Jennifer M. Orozco, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, said the bill is part of the solution to solving the significant healthcare workforce shortage in Iowa.

“Addressing healthcare provider shortages, an ongoing problem in rural areas, is one of the primary reasons driving the PA profession’s efforts to modernize PA practice laws,” Orozco said. “Peeling away unnecessary red tape will empower PAs and expand access to care for so many patients being left behind.  I am excited to see what Iowa PAs will be able to do for their communities in an updated practice environment that allows them to practice to the full extent of their education, training, and experience.”

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In Iowa, there are more than 1,300 licensed PAs practicing medicine – 53.4% of whom practice in rural areas of the state.

AAPA joins IPAS in thanking the General Assembly and Gov. Reynolds for their efforts in passing this law and ensuring patients across the state can access the healthcare they deserve.

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