CHAPTER 212
FORMERLY SENATE SUBSTITUTE NO. 1
FOR
SENATE BILL NO. 358
AN ACT TO AMEND SUBCHAPTER III, CHAPTER 17, TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE, SURGERY AND OSTEOPATHY, AND PROVIDING FOR THE RENDERING OF HEALTH SERVICES BY ASSISTANTS TO PHYSICIANS.
WHEREAS, it has been recognized by physicians and by laymen that there is a shortage of medical personnel, and that many persons possess backgrounds and training which could qualify them for training as physician's assistants; and
WHEREAS, the introduction of the concept of a physician's assistant has been challenged as "practicing medicine" without the appropriate license; and
WHEREAS, it is the purpose of this Act to provide a means by which paramedical personnel, such as nurses, physician assistants and others performing limited medical services may be utilized in freeing physicians of time-consuming chores more easily handled by the paramedical personnel.
NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Delaware:
Section 1. Amend Subsection (d), Section 1731, Chapter 17, Title 24 of the Delaware Code, by adding thereto a new paragraph, designated as paragraph (6) which shall read as follows:
"(6) Any person from rendering medical, surgical, or health services, if such services are rendered by such person under the supervision and control of a physician or surgeon, licensed under this Chapter. Nothing herein shall be construed to change or modify legitimate practices currently prevailing in the practice of optometry or ophthalmology."
Approved July 5, 1971.