1 Keep in mind that bills passed by the Legislature are presented to the Governor for his signature. References in this report to bills that have passed do not mean they have become law; that does not occur until the Governor either signs the legislation or allows it to become law without his signature.
After three long years of work, legislation reforming the Maryland Physician Assistant (PA) law was finally adopted in the 2024 Session. Discussions began with the PA’s during the 2022 Session, and those have continued since but took on more urgency in the recent interim given the directive from both House and Senate leaders that legislation would be adopted in 2024.
MDAFP, through Dr. Mike Niehoff, participated in a physician workgroup that included representatives from other specialties such as emergency physicians, radiology, orthopedics, and internal medicine, which guided the discussions. The bill embodies the principles set forth by the physician workgroup, namely ensuring that physicians remain the leaders of the patient care team and retain control over the scope of practice and actions of PAs. This legislative resolution comes at a time when other states are allowing PAs to practice independently and forestalls that effort here, because the Legislature now considers the issue resolved for the foreseeable future.
Another Budget item, Medicaid payment rates for E&M codes will be pinned at “100% of Medicare”. This is another MDAFP priority and a huge success, given the State’s fiscal constraints. This continues to be a year-to-year battle, but a major win for family physicians and their Medicaid patients alike.
Bills have been introduced in recent years to simplify the prior authorization process for physicians, which has become an overwhelming burden for physicians AND patients. The Senate and House legislative committees have recognized that proper care is being denied through the prior authorization process. These bills have not passed, but this year a compromise has been reached with the and MDAFP is supportive of the bill.
This program provides loan assistance to physicians who agree to practice in underserved areas in our state. The governors' budget for FY 2024 has been reduced back to $1 million compared to $4 million in 2023. We are advocating that we provide $2 million in the FY 2025.
This bill prohibited the use of non-compete clauses in any employment agreements governing licensed health occupations and was retroactive to apply to existing agreements. MDAFP and other health care professions strongly supported the bill.
