physician assistants; qualifications

HB 2134 amends Arizona's definition section for physician assistants (PAs), clarifying key terms that affect their practice. It specifically defines "minor surgery" to exclude surgical abortions and establishes that PAs with at least 8,000 hours of clinical practice can work without a formal supervision agreement under a collaborating physician. The bill also defines terms like "adequate records," "advisory letters," and "unprofessional conduct" to guide licensing and disciplinary actions. These definitions directly affect licensed PAs, collaborating physicians, and the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants by setting clearer standards for scope of practice and accountability.