IPA gain direct access to patients

A group of healthcare professionals known as IPA, or independent practicing assistants, are now allowed to see patients directly without needing a referral from a doctor. This change, aimed at increasing their autonomy, applies to those working in certain structures, and now includes those in CPTS, or centers for specialized care and treatment.

Experiment spans six regions

The new policy will be tested in six French departments: Hérault, Loiret, Martinique, Mayotte, Val-d'Oise, and Yonne. It will begin on December 1 next year and last for five years. The experiment is supported by a decree and an order published in the official journal on October 24 last year.

Evaluation by health agencies

The success of the experiment will be evaluated by the Regional Health Agencies (ARS). All medical specialties represented by IPA will be included, except for those working in emergency care, who already have direct access to hospital services.

Unipa highlights benefits

The National Union of IPA (Unipa) praised the move on LinkedIn, calling it a "new stage in the deployment of advanced practice." They emphasized that the change should help patients access healthcare professionals more easily, improve local care, and better coordinate with doctors.