Modernizing Rural Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Utilization Act of 2025
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · September 8, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill modifies Medicare rules to allow physician assistants and nurse practitioners to work more independently in rural healthcare facilities that aren't physician-directed clinics. Currently, these mid-level providers must operate under strict physician oversight arrangements; the bill loosens these requirements by allowing them to practice according to state law instead of federal mandates. The change affects rural healthcare delivery by giving states more flexibility to determine how physician assistants and nurse practitioners can practice, potentially expanding access to care in underserved areas. The legislation has no specific federal funding attached, as it primarily changes regulatory requirements for Medicare-covered services. The new rules take effect on January 1, 2027, for all Medicare services provided after that date.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.