Wednesday marked the first day medical students who have not completed their residency would be eligible to become assistant physicians under a new category of licensing monitored by Missouri's Division of Professional Registration.
The Legislature passed a 2014 bill giving medical students the opportunity to gain experience in urban and rural areas of need. Rep. Keith Frederick, R-Rolla, sponsored the bill.
Under the law, the assistant physicians must work under the supervision of a collaborating physician, who is responsible at all times for the oversight of the assistant. The law also dictates an assistant physician must enter into practice under supervision within six months of initial licensure.
Frederick told the News Tribune that the Board of Healing Arts would begin accepting applications from those who have graduated from medical school and have passed part one and two of their board exams within two years.
"I believe the influx of new doctors into our state as a result of this law will make a real difference in making health care more accessible in areas of our state that are under-served," Frederick said.
Kenny Jackson, director of legislative affairs for the Missouri State Medical Association, told the News Tribune the MSMA is in favor of the law.
"The number of medical school graduates is far greater than the number of residency spots available throughout the state," Jackson said. "This law provides students (doctors) a chance to continue to develop their skills as physicians, instead of waiting a year or two doing nothing with the hope that they may match with a residency program."
He explained, under the law, medical students who have graduated from medical school will be able to practice medicine in a limited capacity under a licensed physician, and they are obligated to practice in medically underserved areas.
The Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts began taking applications Tuesday.
At this time, the law will not affect Capital Region Medical Center, said Lindsay Huhman, director of public relations and marketing there. Even though CRMC is a teaching hospital, they do not plan to use assistant physicians.
Janet Wear-Enloe, director of business development and marketing at St. Mary's Hospital, said the hospital is still reviewing the new law.
"It is a bit too early to know exactly what impact assistant physicians will have on health care statewide, although improving access to primary care in rural communities is very important," Wear-Enloe said. "All options should be carefully considered."
A representative of Jefferson City Medical Group was not available for comment.