RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Josh Stein recently signed House Bill 67, a healthcare workforce reform bill that could significantly alter how North Carolina residents access medical care. The law, which addresses provider shortages and modernizes licensing for physicians and physician assistants, has drawn attention from Burton Law Firm, a Raleigh-based personal injury law firm that works closely with medical professionals in building legal cases.
According to the North Carolina Medical Board, the legislation creates licensure pathways for internationally trained physicians who hold full-time employment at licensed hospitals, a change expected to bring more qualified providers into underserved communities. Additionally, experienced physician assistants can now participate in "team-based practices," delivering care under physician supervision in collaborative settings. The law also positions North Carolina to join the PA Licensure Compact, enabling physician assistants to practice across state lines in other member states and vice versa.
Jason M. Burton, founder of Burton Law Firm, highlighted the direct impact on patients and legal claims. "When access to qualified medical professionals improves, patients are more likely to receive timely diagnoses, better follow-up care, and stronger documentation of their injuries," Burton said. "For anyone dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident, that kind of access can make a real difference in both recovery and in the strength of a legal claim."
Burton, a fifth-generation trial lawyer, noted that his firm routinely relies on thorough medical treatment to establish the full extent of clients' injuries. Gaps in care caused by provider shortages can create challenges that follow accident victims beyond their initial recovery. "We see firsthand how delays in treatment affect our clients, not just physically, but in terms of how their cases are evaluated by insurance companies," Burton added. "Anything that helps put more qualified providers in front of patients is a step in the right direction for North Carolina."
The healthcare workforce reforms are expected to take effect in stages, with implementation details forthcoming. Burton Law Firm encourages North Carolina residents to stay informed as new provisions roll out, as the changes could affect healthcare access and existing injury claims. The firm, which handles catastrophic injuries, motor vehicle accidents, trucking accidents, wrongful death, and other serious injury cases, offers free consultations for personalized legal counsel.
