A coalition of West Virginia physician organizations issued a joint statement recently opposing House Bill 4715, legislation that would expand the independent scope of practice for non-physician providers in the state. The joint statement was released by the West Virginia State Medical Association, West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association, West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians, and several others.
In their statement, the organizations caution that similar scope expansion policies enacted in other states were frequently promoted as solutions to access challenges, particularly in rural and underserved areas. However, repeated analyses show those policies did not improve access to care, while being associated with higher health care utilization and increased overall costs, driven by greater emergency department use, additional imaging and testing, and more referrals, all without improved patient outcomes.
The organizations emphasized that West Virginia’s health care system already operates with little margin for additional inefficiency or risk, and that any policy changes affecting how care is delivered must be evaluated not only for cost implications, but for their impact on clinical oversight, care coordination, and patient safety, particularly in complex and high-acuity settings.
The statement contrasts these outcomes with evidence supporting physician-led, team-based care, which has consistently demonstrated lower emergency department use, better care coordination, and lower total costs, especially for patients with complex medical needs. Removing physician leadership from the care team, the organizations note, undermines accountability and places additional burden on hospitals and emergency departments.
While reaffirming strong support for collaborative models in which physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants work together to care for patients, the organizations stressed that eliminating physician leadership does not expand access and does increase cost and system burden. The coalition urged lawmakers to reject House Bill 4715 and instead focus on evidence-based solutions shown to improve access, including telehealth expansion, physician workforce recruitment and retention, loan forgiveness for rural practice, and residency training programs tied to service in West Virginia.
“West Virginians deserve health care policies grounded in evidence – policies that protect patient safety, control costs, and strengthen access to care,” the organizations said in their joint statement.
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The West Virginia State Medical Association (WVSMA) is the largest physician-led organization in the state, representing physicians and medical students across all specialties and practice settings. WVSMA advocates for policies that promote high-quality, patient-centered care; protect patient safety; and support a sustainable health care system for all West Virginians.
The West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association (WVOMA) represents osteopathic physicians and medical students throughout the state. WVOMA is dedicated to advancing osteopathic medicine, supporting physician-led, team-based care, and promoting policies that ensure safe, effective, and coordinated health care for West Virginia patients.
The West Virginia Academy of Family Physicians (WVAFP) proudly represents nearly 1,000 members across the state, as its largest physician specialty medical association, including active physicians, retirees, residents, and medical students. Its members serve as a key foundational piece of primary care in West Virginia, providing comprehensive, patient-centered care in communities large and small.
