Authorizing physician assistants to own business

This bill (SB 471) allows physician assistants (PAs) in West Virginia to own healthcare-related businesses, such as clinics or practices. It specifically prohibits PAs from having a financial interest in referral arrangements (e.g., owning a clinic they refer patients to) and permits medical corporations to have PA shareholders. The bill also designates physician assistants as a "professional service" under the state’s Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, enabling PAs to form or join LLCs for their practice. These changes directly affect PAs seeking to establish or invest in healthcare businesses.