SUPERVISION OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

HB 266 eliminates a requirement that physician assistants (PAs) in New Mexico must maintain a formal supervising or collaborating relationship with a licensed physician to practice. This change directly affects PAs by allowing them to practice independently after initial licensure, removing the need for ongoing physician oversight. The bill amends Section 61-6C-3 of the state law to state that PAs "may practice independently" without supervision, while keeping other requirements like biennial certification and fees intact. The key mechanism is the repeal of the supervision mandate, shifting PAs toward greater autonomy within their scope of practice.