Concerns Raised Over Expanding Physician Assistant Roles in New York

Critics warn that allowing PAs more independence could put patients at risk of misdiagnosis and substandard care.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 2:15am

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A former New York lieutenant governor is criticizing a proposal by Governor Kathy Hochul to allow physician assistants (PAs) more freedom to practice without a doctor's supervision, arguing that it could endanger patients' lives. The article cites several cases where PAs allegedly missed serious medical conditions, leading to tragic outcomes. It also notes that the UK's National Health Service is moving to reduce reliance on PAs after similar issues. The piece argues that becoming a physician requires extensive training that PAs lack, making them more prone to diagnostic errors.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the ongoing debate over the role of non-physician healthcare providers, particularly as the U.S. faces a shortage of doctors. Proponents argue that PAs can help expand access to care, but critics warn that lowering standards could compromise patient safety, especially for complex or undiagnosed conditions.

The details

The article profiles the case of George Trovato, a 39-year-old man who went to an urgent care center and was seen by a PA who told him to start an exercise routine. Two weeks later, Trovato died of a heart attack, and his wife is suing, claiming he didn't know he wasn't being seen by a doctor. The piece also cites the case of 30-year-old actress Emily Chesterton, who died from a blood clot after a PA misdiagnosed her condition. Researchers are quoted saying that PAs have a "higher average diagnostic error rate" compared to physicians due to their "truncated training period."

  • In January 2023, the UK's National Health Service announced it will reduce the use of PAs and bar them from treating undiagnosed patients.
  • In 2018, NYU Grossman School of Medicine began offering free tuition to all admitted medical students, a move that has since been replicated by other schools.

The players

Betsy McCaughey

A former Lieutenant Governor of New York State and the Chairman & Founder of the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths.

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York, who is proposing to allow physician assistants more freedom to practice without a doctor's supervision.

George Trovato

A 39-year-old man who died of a heart attack two weeks after being seen by a physician assistant at an urgent care center.

Emily Chesterton

A 30-year-old actress in the UK who died from a blood clot after a PA misdiagnosed her condition.

Association of American Medical Colleges

An organization that estimates the U.S. will be short 86,000 doctors by 2036.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.