GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES MADON MEASURE TO MODERNIZE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PRACTICE
Bill aims to improve patient access and help healthcare teams operate more efficiently
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 1, 2026)—The General Assembly has given final approval to Senate Bill (SB) 116, legislation sponsored by Sen. Scott Madon, R-Pineville, that updates Kentucky law governing physician assistants and strengthens physician-led healthcare teams.
The House of Representatives passed the measure with House Floor Amendment 2, which made technical corrections and permits credentialed physician assistants to sign completed driver’s license vision testing forms. The Senate later concurred with the House changes, clearing the legislation for final passage and sending it to the governor for consideration.
SB 116 updates several statutes governing physician assistants (PAs) to help healthcare teams operate more efficiently while maintaining physician oversight. The legislation allows healthcare practices to determine a PA’s scope of practice based on the needs of the practice and the experience of the provider.
The bill also authorizes physician assistants to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances within the parameters of their collaboration agreement with a physician and permits credentialed PAs to perform driver’s license vision testing.
Madon said the legislation helps modernize healthcare delivery while preserving the physician-led team model that patients rely on.
“In many parts of Kentucky, especially in rural communities, access to healthcare providers remains a real challenge,” Madon said. “This legislation helps ensure physicians and physician assistants can work together effectively so patients receive timely, high-quality care while maintaining strong physician oversight.”
Rep. Robert Duvall, R-Bowling Green, who carried the measure in the House, said the bill improves efficiency for healthcare providers while maintaining important patient protections.
“Senate Bill 116 updates Kentucky law to give physician assistants more flexibility while maintaining physician oversight, allowing health care teams to operate more efficiently,” Duvall said. “By letting PAs sign driver’s licensing vision tests and tailoring their scope of practice to experience and patient needs, this legislation expands access to care and ensures patients receive timely services without sacrificing quality or safety.”
SB 116 establishes requirements for collaboration agreements between physician assistants and physicians and clarifies the services physician assistants may provide under Kentucky law.
The legislation does not create independent practice for physician assistants, does not limit a physician’s ability to define practice parameters, and does not allow physician assistants to bill patients independently.
SB 116 now awaits action by the governor.
Learn more about bills, committees and other important updates on the 2026 Regular Session at www.kylegislature.gov.