On April 15, 1971, Washington Governor Daniel J. Evans signed landmark legislation (Engrossed Senate Bill No. 182) that allowed trained physician assistants (PAs) to practice medicine under the supervision of licensed doctors. This law provided a legal framework for the newly created MEDEX Northwest program, founded by Dr. Richard Smith, which was designed to address the shortage of healthcare providers, especially in rural communities. As we reflect on the passing of Governor Evans on September 20, 2024, at the age of 98, we honor his contributions to healthcare innovation in Washington.
Washington was among the earliest states to adopt legislation that allowed PAs to practice under the supervision of physicians. The 1971 law was pivotal, allowing PAs to work without requiring the physical presence of the supervising physician—a critical provision for rural areas where medical resources were limited.
In the early days of the MEDEX program, graduates operated in a legal gray area before the law was passed. Dr. Smith and his team found a temporary solution that allowed the first class of PAs to practice while legislation was being secured. The passage of the bill, which was retroactive in nature, provided the necessary legal backing for their work and ensured the program’s growth and success.
Today, the MEDEX program continues to expand, now educating students across five campuses: Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma, WA, Anchorage, AK, and Kona, HI. Governor Evans’s role in signing this pivotal legislation exemplified his forward-thinking leadership and commitment to addressing the health care needs of Washington’s communities. His support for the MEDEX program set a precedent for PA practice nationwide and left a lasting impact on health care access across the state. His legacy is honored in the many lives improved by the PAs who continue to serve communities throughout Washington and around the world.
