Pierre — The South Dakota Senate passed House Bill 10‑71 on final passage following extended floor debate that centered on training, scope of practice and protections for the medical school and physician workforce. The final vote was 32 yeas to 3 nays.

Senator Grove, the bill sponsor, framed the measure as a workforce response: "This is the purpose of House Bill 10‑71," she said, arguing the bill allows qualified physician assistants (PAs) to practice to the full extent of their training after meeting a specified experience threshold. Sponsors and supporters pointed to an amended compromise that sets a 6,000‑hour experience benchmark (from earlier drafts) and said the South Dakota State Medical Association and other stakeholders negotiated changes.

Opponents raised concerns about training differentials and the effect on medical‑school graduates. Senator Howard said the bill lacked detailed procedure lists and warned against undercutting incentives to complete medical school. "If one can bypass four years of medical school and a rigorous three‑year residency program to enter primary care…why would anyone go to medical school in the first place?" she asked.

Senator Smith described his change in position after the House‑to‑Senate amendment and negotiations: the change in the required hours and other amendments "was substantial enough that the medical association changed their opposition on this bill." He said the bill retains defined practice lanes for PAs and shifts responsibility toward the PA when practicing independently.

Supporters, including Senator Jensen, noted committee consensus: the bill cleared committee unanimously following negotiation. After floor debate and the roll call, the president declared House Bill 10‑71 passed.

Ending — The bill now moves on for enrollment and further processing; supporters described it as a measure to expand rural access to care while opponents warned of broader implications for physician training incentives.