AAPA

AAPA President Stephen Hanson and six other PAs accepted a White House invitation to appear at an event in which the President unveiled his revised health reform plan. Hanson and representatives from other clinician groups appeared on stage with the President as he made his remarks. Six other PAs were seated in the audience during the address, in which President Obama asked Congress to take an up-or-down vote on health care reform in the next few weeks.

After the event, Hanson gave his thoughts on the experience.

PA Pro NOW: What does it mean to you that PAs were invited by the White House to this health reform event?

Hanson: It was an important moment in PA history to be included in the announcement on HCR. It recognizes the important contribution that PAs make in the health care system, and it signals the President's commitment toward including PAs in HCR.

PA Pro NOW: As you listened to the President’s remarks, were there any key components in the revised plan that will affect PAs?

Hanson: There were none other than he specifically recognized PAs three times during his remarks. His plan specifically mentions PAs under workforce, and he and his staff have expressed a commitment to us to make sure PAs are included in any HCR pushed by the administration.

Click here to watch a video where Hanson reflects on the March 3 event and what it means for PAs in the health reform discussion.

Click here to watch video of the event on the White House Web site.

Click here to see photos on Reuters' Web site.

Click here to read the President's remarks.