In a bold move to strengthen frontline healthcare delivery, New York has updated its regulations, allowing nurses working under physician assistants (PAs) to follow non-patient-specific medical orders. This shift is more than just a policy update—it’s a strategic solution to expand care access in schools, community clinics, shelters, and mobile health units.
At 3B Healthcare, we recognize this rule change as a game-changer for both healthcare staffing and nurse career growth. Whether you’re an RN exploring new pathways or a facility leader managing coverage gaps, this law directly affects how we deploy and empower nursing professionals in 2025.
New Law Update: Nurses Can Now Act on Orders from PAs
Previously, registered nurses (RNs) in New York could only carry out non-patient-specific orders issued by physicians or nurse practitioners. As of July 1, 2025, that authority now extends to physician assistants.
This updated rule represents a progressive step toward more collaborative care models, allowing nurses and PAs to function as effective care teams—especially in underserved or high-demand settings.
What Orders Can Nurses Perform Under Physician Assistants?
According to the finalized rule, RNs may now follow these non-patient-specific protocols issued by PAs:
- Routine and seasonal immunizations
- Emergency treatment for anaphylaxis
- Tuberculosis screening
- HIV and hepatitis C testing
- Opioid overdose treatment (e.g., Naloxone administration)
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening
- Electrocardiograms (ECGs) for suspected acute coronary syndrome
- Glucose testing for suspected hypoglycemia
- IV access and diagnostics for suspected sepsis
- Pregnancy testing
- COVID-19 and influenza testing
These essential interventions are critical to early detection, preventative care, and public health emergency response.
Why This Change Matters for Healthcare Staffing in 2025
Expanded Scope = Enhanced Staffing Flexibility
The revised rule increases the scope of practice for nurses working under physician assistants, enabling RNs to do more with less supervision in specific care scenarios. This evolution supports more dynamic and responsive healthcare staffing solutions, particularly in:
- Community clinics
- Urgent care centers
- School-based programs
- Mobile health vans
For staffing agencies like 3B Healthcare, this means greater placement flexibility, enhanced nurse-patient ratios, and the ability to reduce administrative bottlenecks by leveraging RN/PA teams.
Empowering Underserved Communities
Why This Change Matters for Healthcare Staffing in 2025
Many rural and urban communities experience a shortage of physicians. By allowing nurses to take direction from PAs for non-patient-specific protocols, the state ensures timely access to:
- Immunizations
- STI testing
- Emergency interventions
Impact: Facilities in under-resourced neighborhoods can now operate more efficiently, with faster diagnosis and treatment, and fewer delays due to physician unavailability.
What Facilities Need to Know to Stay Compliant
If your facility operates in New York, here are action steps to implement this law successfully:
- Review and update clinical policies to reflect PA-led protocols for nursing staff.
- Train RNs and PAs on legal boundaries and clinical accountability.
- Collaborate with staffing agencies to source RNs experienced in community-based or mobile care settings.
At 3B Healthcare, our talent pool includes highly adaptable RNs who are ready to contribute in these evolving care environments.
How It Benefits RN Career Growth
For registered nurses, working under physician assistants isn’t just a regulatory change—it’s a professional opportunity.
Here’s how it can enhance RN careers:
- Increased clinical autonomy
- Greater participation in public health outreach
- Exposure to diverse care environments
- Stepping stone toward advanced roles like nurse practitioner or clinical leader
This change also positions RNs as key players in preventative and primary care models—a direction healthcare is increasingly moving toward in 2025 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can nurses follow orders from physician assistants in all states?
No. This regulation applies specifically to New York. Other U.S. states have varying rules regarding RN scope-of-practice and whether physician assistants can issue standing orders to nurses. Always consult state-specific guidelines.
2. What is a non-patient-specific order?
A non-patient-specific order is a standing protocol that authorizes nurses to perform specific medical procedures without evaluating a specific patient first. These are commonly used for public health initiatives, such as vaccination clinics or routine screenings.
3. How does this rule improve nurse staffing in mobile units or clinics?
By allowing nurses working under physician assistants to perform more tasks independently, healthcare facilities can optimize team structures, improve response times, and reduce dependency on physician-only models—especially in high-traffic or remote locations.
Conclusion: A Smarter, Faster Way to Deliver Care
New York’s expansion of PA oversight is a strategic move toward more agile, team-based healthcare. Allowing nurses working under physician assistants to act on non-patient-specific orders streamlines operations, boosts care access, and empowers RNs to take on more proactive roles in community and preventive health.
For facilities seeking to adapt quickly and for nurses ready to expand their clinical impact, this regulation offers a promising new chapter. At 3B Healthcare, we’re here to help healthcare organizations build stronger, future-ready teams—one skilled placement at a time.
Want to see how other states are transforming frontline care? Check out our latest post on CNA Training Programs 2025—a deep dive into how certified nursing assistants are shaping the future of healthcare
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