DOVER – In an effort to expand access to care and strengthen Delaware’s healthcare workforce, the House unanimously passed House Bill 325 on Tuesday. This legislation, sponsored by Rep. Alonna Berry and Sen. Nicole Poore, is designed to modernize the physician associate profession and better reflect the important role these providers already play in the state’s healthcare system.
“One of the most common concerns I hear from constituents is how difficult it can be to access care when they need it,” said Rep. Alonna Berry.
“We have trained, experienced providers ready to meet that need, but outdated requirements are holding them back. This bill removes those barriers so more Delawareans can get timely care. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House for their support and look forward to seeing this bill pass in the Senate.”
HB 325 would create a pathway for experienced and clinically trained physician associates to practice without being tied to a single physician through a mandatory collaborative agreement. Under current law, physician associates must maintain that agreement regardless of experience, which can limit access to and continuity of care, particularly in underserved and rural areas like Sussex County.
The legislation builds on experience-based standards by allowing licensed physician associates with more than 6,000 post-graduate clinical practice hours to continue delivering care without unnecessary administrative barriers while still maintaining professional oversight and accountability.
“This legislation is about strengthening our healthcare workforce and, most importantly, delivering for patients. As demand for care continues to grow, we must modernize how care is delivered by ensuring shorter wait times, expanded access, and high quality care in every community,” said Senator Nicole Poore.
“Physician associates are a vital part of that solution. This is not about replacing anyone, but about building stronger, more collaborative care teams where providers can work at the top of their training. Healthcare is evolving, and our policies must evolve with it. This bill reflects a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to meeting the needs of today and tomorrow.”
The bill is directly tied to Delaware’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a major initiative supported by more than $157 million in federal funding aimed at improving healthcare access, quality, and workforce capacity, particularly in rural communities. As part of that agreement, Delaware committed to allowing experienced physician associates to practice with greater autonomy.
Without putting this provision in place, Delaware risks reductions in future funding and critical healthcare investments.
“The Delaware Academy of Physician Associates commends Rep. Alonna Berry for advancing House Bill 325 in the House and recognizing the essential role Physician Associates play in Delaware’s healthcare system,” added the Delaware Academy of Physician Associates.
“This legislation removes outdated barriers and allows experienced clinicians to practice to the full extent of their training, expanding access to timely, high-quality care especially in underserved communities. House Bill 325 is a practical, patient-centered step that strengthens our workforce while maintaining accountability. We look forward to supporting Senator Poore to advance House Bill 325 in the Senate.”
Nine other states have already removed the requirement for a supervisory or collaborative relationship entirely.
HB 325 now heads to the Senate for consideration.
