2024 WV Legislation Update

WVAPA 2024 Legislative Update

The 2024 WV Legislative Session has been an exciting and productive one for PAs in WV. Many PAs, senators, delegates, and supporters have been involved with the legislation creation, introduction, monitoring, and passing this year, and the WVAPA BOD is thankful for each and every one of them. We want to especially show our appreciation to the Honorable Senator Tom Takubo for his support and hard work with PA legislation, not just this year, but the past several years. Thank you!

Here is an update on the bills that have an impact on PAs practicing in WV:

SB 300: Sponsor Senator Deeds

First, it defines a “staffed emergency department” as one that is staffed by a PA, among other providers. Second, it allows PAs to be designated as counseling staff in an MAT program. This bill passed legislation and was signed into law on 2/19/24. It is effective from passage.

SB 169: Sponsor Senator Takubo

“PA Practice Ownership Bill” 

This would allow PAs to be owners in Medical Corporations under the Board of Medicine. It would also allow PAs to form PLLCs.

This bill passed the Senate unanimously the first day. It was not introduced on the House Health Committee. PAs at this time are allowed to form and have ownership in Medical Corporations under the Osteopathic Board of Medicine.

HB 4432: Sponsor Delegate Summers

This was a similar bill to SB 169 that it gave PAs Practice Ownership. However, it also had a section allowing CRNAs to work in cooperation with a physician, podiatrist, or dentist. This bill passed the House, but it was not introduced in the Senate Health Committee.

SB667: Sponsor Senator Takubo

“PA Compact Licensure Bill”

This bill gives language to be part of PA Compact allowing a path to licensure in states part of the compact. There has to be 7 states as a part of this to take effect. Currently 4 states have passed PA Compact legislation. WV looks to be one of the original 7 states.

This bill has passed the Senate and currently close to finishing legislation on reading in the full House.

SB714: Sponsor Senator Takubo

This bill combines the WV Board of Osteopathic Medicine with the WV Board of Medicine. PAs who work with both MDs and DOs will no longer have to keep licenses through 2 separate boards. This bill also states three PAs will have seats on the board. Finally, the bill also brings parody to CME for all providers, decreasing the number of CME for PAs from 100 hours every 2 years to 50 hours every 2 years.

This bill has passed both sides of the legislature and is awaiting action by the Governor.