DelawareHB 325153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATES AND PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS.

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

More providers can certify disability parking

Physician associates with independent practice authority can certify applications for disabled license plates or parking placards. The applicant or a household member must have a disability that meets a legal qualifying standard. The disability must be permanent, with no expected improvement.

Payment protections for physician associate care

Delaware now uses “physician associate” instead of “physician assistant,” preserving existing rights, billing policies, and insurance agreements. Insurers cannot deny payment solely because of this title change. Payers must cover services within an associate’s scope when covered if a physician ordered or performed them. Associates can bill and receive direct payment for medically necessary care; claims must identify the treating associate when appropriate. Insurers cannot impose practice, education, or collaboration rules stricter than Delaware’s rules, and insurers or health-care services corporations can designate associates as primary care providers.

Independent practice with care-team duties

Delaware-licensed physician associates with more than 6,000 post-graduate clinical hours can apply to the Council for independent practice authority. This authority allows practice and prescribing without a written agreement with a physician. Applicants working without a Delaware-licensed physician must show training that matches their practice area. Before changing practice areas, these associates must notify the Council and provide proof of matching training. All associates, including independent practitioners, must consult, collaborate, and refer as needed based on patient needs and their own skills.

Returning associates face possible collaboration requirements

Re-entry licenses let physician associates return to practice for up to six months, with one renewal allowed. Covered cases include a Delaware license inactive for more than three years and no practice in any U.S. jurisdiction for more than three years. The Board can require a written agreement with a physician for a specified number of hours. This requirement is not automatic and can apply alongside other practice requirements.

Temporary licenses with limits for graduates

Eligible graduates can get temporary Delaware licenses before national certification. Their programs must have ARC-PA accreditation or, before 2001, accreditation from CAHEA or a successor agency. Graduates must otherwise qualify for licensure and register for and take the next scheduled national certifying exam. The license ends when results become available and is withdrawn immediately after a failed exam. Temporary license holders cannot prescribe and must work with a collaborating physician physically present.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Alonna Berry
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Mara Gorman
Democratic • House
Jeff Hilovsky
Republican • House
Russell Huxtable
Democratic • Senate
Melissa Minor-Brown
Democratic • House
Eric Morrison
Democratic • House
DeShanna U Neal
Democratic • House
Marie Pinkney
Democratic • Senate
Nicole Poore
Democratic • Senate
Cyndie Romer
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 58 • No: 1

Senate vote • 5/6/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 20 • No: 1

House vote • 4/14/2026