Physicians, Nurses, and Healthcare Leaders Rally Behind Legislation to Improve Maine’s PA Practice Environment

February 6, 2026

This week, physician associates (PAs), physicians, nurses, and healthcare leaders across Maine provided compelling testimony in support of LD 2088, landmark legislation that would modernize the state’s PA practice environment by removing the requirement for a formal practice agreement with a physician.  

If enacted, LD 2088 would transition Maine to an “Optimal” practice environment under AAPA’s PA Practice Modernization framework – an important policy milestone that would also strengthen the Maine’s competitiveness under the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).  

Specifically, LD 2088 would eliminate the requirement for a practice agreement for PAs serving as the principal clinical provider in practices without a physician and would allow PAs to open and operate their own practice. These updates reflect how healthcare is already delivered in many communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to care is limited.  

Beyond its impact on clinical practice, passage of LD 2088 would position Maine to earn additional points under RHTP’s scoring criteria. The bill aligns directly with one of the policy priorities identified by CMS in its original funding notice, advancing Maine from an “Advanced” to an “Optimal” state as defined by AAPA’s Practice Modernization scoring chart.  

Supporters of the legislation, including 13 physicians who submitted written testimony, emphasized both the proven effectiveness of PAs and the urgent need to remove outdated barriers that impact accessibility of care:  

• “As a physician who has worked closely with physician assistants, continues to collaborate with PAs, and understands the value of care they provide, especially in the rural areas of our state, I support the elimination of practice agreement requirement for PAs.” – Karen Roberts, DO 
• “Both physicians and PAs remain deeply dedicated to revolutionizing healthcare in our nation through collaborative, patient-focused medical care. The collaborative nature of our healthcare system would not change with this new law. What this bill would change is the rules that limit opportunities for PAs to be part of the solution to the provider shortage that frustrates people and worsens health care in this state.” – Laura Withers, MD  
• “Mandatory physician oversight requirements for physician associates impose significant financial and administrative burdens on healthcare practices without evidence of improved patient outcomes.” – Jill Vaughn, MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC (President, American Nurses Association – Maine) 
• “This legislation is an important step toward addressing the persistent and growing shortage of medical professionals across our state. For our providers and the patients they serve, this bill represents a practical and responsible solution to expanding access to care across Maine.” – Megan Stewart, JD (Director of Government Relations – Maine Primary Care Association) 

The testimony offered underscores a powerful and growing consensus in Maine, and across the country, that removing barriers to practice is critical to ensuring healthcare providers can practice to the full extent of their education, training, and license.  

LD 2088 has passed out of committee and will head first to the House, and then the Senate, for floor votes.

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