For Immediate Release:
July 28, 2009
Brooke Braun
American Academy of Physician Assistants
703-836-2272 ext. 3502
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American Academy of Physician Assistants Commends House’s Passage of Bill that Establishes Director of Physician Assistant Services at the Veterans Health Administration
WASHINGTON - The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), representing more than 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants (PAs) in the United States, applauds today’s passage of H.R. 3219 by the House of Representatives. H.R. 3219 contains language originally proposed in H.R. 1302 to elevate the current position of PA Advisor to a full-time Director of Physician Assistant Services at the Veterans Health Administration.
AAPA is very appreciative of Reps. Phil Hare (D-IL) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) for their continued leadership on behalf of PAs employed by the VA, as well as the support of VA subcommittee and committee leaders, including Reps. Mike Michaud (D-ME), Henry Brown (R-SC), Bob Filner (D-CA) and Steve Buyer (R-IN).
“It is our hope that the new position lifts unnecessary restrictions that impede the ability of more than 1,800 PAs to provide medical care in VA facilities,” said AAPA President Stephen Hanson. “PAs have a rich record as health care providers to underserved, rural areas – and the veterans living in these communities are often left behind.”
The next stop for H.R. 3219 is the Senate.
“AAPA fully supports policies and programs that eliminate health disparities and ensure access to quality, affordable and cost-efficient care for our all Americans,” said Hanson. “This includes our nation’s veterans, who merit a level of care analogous to their sacrifices, at the very minimum.”###
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is the only national professional association that represents PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the armed forces and federal services. Founded in 1968, AAPA works to increase the professional and personal growth of the entire PA workforce by providing comprehensive support and advocacy for physician assistants so that they may, in turn, provide patients with increased access to quality, cost-effective health care. Learn more at www.aapa.org.
