AAPA

AAPA Response Statement to NCCPA’s CAQ Announcement

At its July 2010 meeting, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants’  Board of Directors voted to move forward with the design and implementation of a “certificates of added qualifications” (CAQ) recognition program rather than a “specialty certification” program. This action by its Board follows an initiative undertaken by NCCPA in 2009 when it announced the introduction of a voluntary specialty certification program for PAs in certain specialties.

The American Academy of Physician Assistants appreciates NCCPA’s revised position on specialty recognition and is gratified that its Board has moved in a manner consistent with AAPA’s position that “specialty certification” could diminish the importance primary care plays in PA training. This action also reflects AAPA’s concerns that “specialty certification” could affect the credentialing and privileging within a hospital or other institution.

AAPA, as a matter of policy, is opposed to specialty certification and to the use of specialty examinations that could reduce the profession’s versatility and flexibility.  While AAPA recognizes that NCCPA is an independent body, on behalf of our members, we have been consistent in communicating our opposition to specialty certification to the NCCPA. In an April 2010 letter to NCCPA’s Board, AAPA reiterated its position that the knowledge base of certified PAs must continue to meet the challenges of clinical medicine, but remains opposed to specialty certification. That letter also included a request that NCCPA reconsider implementation of specialty certification within the context of the realities ushered in by the passage of federal health care reform.

AAPA appreciates NCCPA’s acknowledgment that “specialty certification” could impact the professions’ role in the implementation of health care reform, and is gratified by its decision to, instead, execute a “certificate of added qualifications.”

1. PA Programs: PA Educational Programs are accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), the sole such accrediting body in the U.S.
2. CME: AAPA offers a variety of services related to continuing medical education (CME). Information on AAPA CME approval processes, listing of approved AAPA CME activities and materials, post-test processing, and PANCE/PANRE review materials are included on the following pages.
3. Certification: Issued by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), the Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) credential is a mark of professional accomplishment, indicating the achievement and maintenance of established levels of knowledge and clinical skills. The PA-C credential is widely recognized within the medical professions and beyond. In fact, all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the American territories have decided to rely on NCCPA certification as one of the criteria for licensure or regulation of physician assistants.
4. PA Development Toolbox: Physician assistants exercise leadership skills in all levels of their personal and professional lives - in their clinical practices, volunteer organizations, families, and community outreach. Recognizing this, the AAPA Leadership and Professional Development Council manages the PA Toolbox to provide you with the resources or tools that you need to enhance your development.