1. (1) As used in this section, "collaboration" means the interaction and relationship that a physician assistant has with a physician in which:

   1. (a) the physician assistant and physician are cognizant of the physician assistant's qualifications and limitations in caring for a patient;
   2. (b) the physician assistant, while responsible for care that the physician assistant provides, consults with the physician regarding patient care; and
   3. (c) the physician gives direction and guidance to the physician assistant.

2. (2) A physician assistant with less than 8,500 hours of post-graduate clinical practice experience shall:

   1. (a) practice under written policies and procedures established at a practice level that:

      1. (i) describe how collaboration will occur in accordance with this section and Subsections 58-70a-501(2) and (3); and
      2. (ii) describe methods for evaluating the physician assistant's competency, knowledge, and skills;
   2. (b) provide a copy of the written policies and procedures and documentation of compliance with this Subsection (2) to the board upon the board's request; and
   3. (c) except as provided in Subsection 58-70a-501.1(4)(d) for a physician assistant specializing in mental health care, engage in collaboration with a physician for the first 4,000 hours of the physician assistant's post-graduate clinical practice experience.

3. (3)

   1. (a) Except as provided in Subsection 58-70a-501.1(4)(d) for a physician assistant specializing in mental health care, a physician assistant who has more than 4,000 hours of practice experience and less than 8,500 hours of practice experience shall enter into a written collaborative agreement with:

      1. (i) a physician; or
      2. (ii) a licensed physician assistant with more than 8,500 hours of practice experience in the same specialty as the physician assistant.

   2. (b) The collaborative agreement described in Subsection (3)(a) shall:

      1. (i) describe how collaboration under this section and Subsections 58-70a-501(2) and (3) will occur;
      2. (ii) be kept on file at the physician assistant's practice location; and
      3. (iii) be provided by the physician assistant to the board upon the board's request.
4. (4) A physician assistant who wishes to change specialties to another specialty in which the physician assistant has less than 4,000 hours of experience shall engage in collaboration for a minimum of 4,000 hours with a physician who is trained and experienced in the specialty to which the physician assistant is changing.

Amended by Chapter 96, 2026 General Session