BOD Candidates On PAs Filling Physician Shortage
2011-04-08
Here is this week's question for the candidates for the 2011 General Election of the AAPA Board of Directors. 

CMS Issues Much Anticipated ACOS Guidelines
2011-04-06
On March 31 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued proposed new payment regulations that establish guidelines for accountable care organizations (ACOs).

MILITARY PAS: LEADING BY EXAMPLE
2011-04-07
Capt. Andrew Fisher, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment senior physician assistant, is featured as the "Soldier of the Week" on the You Served blog. 

AAPA RESPONDS TO INACCURATE STATEMENTS ON THE TODAY SHOW
2011-03-17
WASHINGTON - On Thursday, March 17, 2011, NBC's "TODAY" show aired a segment during which Dr. Nancy Snyderman made inaccurate statements about PAs. Of particular concern was the statement that PAs could not prescribe. AAPA contacted the "TODAY" show and Dr. Snyderman directly

New Face-to-Face Requirement for Home Health Certification Includes PAs…
2011-04-06
As a condition for payment for home health services, the Affordable Care Act mandates that, prior to certifying a patient's eligibility for the home health benefit, the certifying physician must document that he or she, or an allowed non-physician practitioner (NPP), has had a face-to-face encounter with the patient. 

2010 Banner Year for PA Federal & Public Health Advocacy Accomplishments
2011-01-05
Through the Academy's vigorous efforts, 2010 was a banner year for advancing the PA profession in federal advocacy and the science and public health policy arenas.

Key Provisions of the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act Effective on January 1
2011-01-05
Provisions of the new health care bill that went into effect on January 1, 2011.

National Health Service Corps 2011 Loan Repayment Application Cycle Now Open
2011-01-05
The application cycle for the 2011 NHSC Loan Repayment Program is now open until May 26, 2011.

112th Congress Convenes…Reach Out to Your Senators and Representative Today!
2011-01-05
The 112th Congress was sworn in on January 5, 2011, bringing over 100 new faces to Capitol Hill.

National Provider Teleconference on ICD-10 Implementation on January 12
2011-01-05
On January 12 from 1 - 3 pm (Eastern Standard Time), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a national teleconference titled Preparing for ICD-10 Implementation in 2011.

CMS Conference Call Open to PAs and Their Staff
2011-01-05
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) conducts monthly Physicians, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals Open Door Forum conference calls during which Medicare Officials review Medicare policies pertaining to health care professionals in nearly all service settings.

New Medicare Physician Compare Website Includes PAs
2011-01-05
CMS has launched a new online tool providing information on physicians and other healthcare professionals who treat Medicare patients, including PAs. 

First PA Takes Seat in Congress
2011-01-06
With the ceremonial swearing in of the 112th Congress on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, the PA profession saw the first PA take a seat in the People's House. 

Study Linking Vaccine to Autism Bogus, BMJ Reports
The British Medical Journal declares the first study to link a childhood vaccine to autism a fraud based on distorted information about the children involved.

Two Tips for Evaluating Leave as Part of Your Benefits Package
2011-01-11
"Fringe" benefits, including paid time off, are essential aspects of your compensation package and directly affect your quality of life.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Offering Paid Public Policy Fellowships
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) is seeking applications for its Graduate Fellowship Program and undergraduate Public Policy Fellowship Program for aspiring Latino students.

Health Care Reform – Take Two?
2011-01-12
The House is expected to consider, possibly in the next week, H.R. 2, legislation to repeal the health care reform law — The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) — as passed in early 2010.

Nebraska PAs Work to Remove Provisions for PAs from Legislation
2011-01-12
Leaders from the Nebraska Academy of Physician Assistants recently worked to remove PAs from a piece of legislation that would have implemented special licensing requirements for PAs returning to practice after a period of clinical inactivity.

Four Tips to Improve Your Chapter’s Relationship with the State Medical Society
2011-01-12
Since state medical societies generally represent the greatest number of physicians and are considered to "speak for medicine" in state legislative and regulatory arenas, having a sustained relationship with them is critical to the success of a PA society's advocacy agenda.

New Years Resolution: Lose 5 Lbs (of Paper) by Storing your Credentials with FCVS
With the new year often comes a renewed commitment to adopt good habits. For PAs resolving to be more organized in 2011, the Federation of State Medical Boards has a solution.

Two States Address PA Workforce in Health Care Reform Reports
Both Virginia and Maryland recently released their health care reform advisory groups' reports.

State Advocacy 2010 Highlight Reel
2011-01-12
As state legislatures convene and new governors take office across the country, a quick look back at 2010 shows lots of activity and dramatic achievements in PA state advocacy.

WaPo Features PAs vs. NPs Piece in Special Career Section
2011-01-12
The Washington Post featured an article about PAs and NPs on Jan. 9, 2011, in a special career advice section.

AAPA Responds to AMA Article on Hiring PAs and NPs
2011-01-12
Earlier this week, the American Medical Association's print and online news publication American Medical News published an article on "Bringing PAs and NPs on board: What to do if you're hiring." 

Haiti Earthquake: A PA Reflects a Year After
2011-01-12
A year ago, the strongest earthquake to hit Hispaniola in more than two centuries struck the side of the island that is the nation of Haiti.

CF Foundation's New Web Resource for Parents of CF-Positive Infants
2011-01-18
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation today announced that it is offering a new Web resource for parents whose infants receive a positive newborn screen for CF.

A PA On The Emotional Aspects of Medical Practice
2011-01-18
PA Heather M. Hylton, a contributing blogger to the American Society of Clinical Oncology's ASCOconnection.org, recently posted an item on the emotional aspects of medical practice.

A message from AAPA President Patrick Killeen:
2011-01-19
The American Academy of Physician Assistants on Jan. 19, 2011, issued the following statement from the president of the Academy:

Advocacy Tip: Tracking Your Legislators’ Votes
2011-01-20
Want an easy way to see what issues matter to your Senators and Representatives?

Applications for 2011-2012 Commission and Work Group Service Now Being Accepted
2011-01-20
AAPA members interested in being considered for serving on an Academy commission or work group are encouraged to complete the online applicationbefore March 15.

North Dakota Bill Aims to Add a PA to State Medical Board
2011-01-20
The legislative session is already off to a great start for PAs in North Dakota. Senate Bill 2154, sponsored by Senators Judy Lee, David Hogue, and John Warner, amends the medical practice act to add a PA to the North Dakota Board of Medical Examiners.

Vermont Board of Medical Practice Endorses Changes to PA Practice Act
2011-01-20
At a special meeting last week, the Vermont Board of Medical Practice voted unanimously to endorse legislative changes to the PA Practice Act.

“2014 is Tomorrow”
2011-04-09
Even as the House debates repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, states are at work planning for implementation of federal health care reform.

Seizing Opportunities to Network
2011-01-20
Recently, Stephanie McGilvray, PA-C, Legislative Chair for the Alabama Society of Physician Assistants, had the opportunity to attend the inaugural ball of new Alabama Governor, Robert Bentley.

CMS Opens Registration for EHR Incentive Programs and Posts Meaningful Use “Tip Sheets”
2011-01-20
On January 3, 2011, CMS opened registration for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs.

Rural Health Clinics Guide for Billing Preventive Services
2011-01-20
Medicare has released a Medicare Learning Network Matters (MLNM) article titled, "Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) Billing Guide," to explain how RHCs should bill for certain preventive services under the Affordable Care Act.

CMS Announces Updates to its Coding System
2011-01-20
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released modifications to the Health Care Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code set.

PAs Can Perform SNF Certification and Re-Certification
2011-01-20
The Affordable Care Act included a provision to allow PAs to perform the initial certification and periodic re-certification required for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) level of care. Previously, the list of practitioners allowed to "certify" SNF care included only physicians, nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists.

Look Up Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Amounts
2011-01-20
Medicare's Physician Fee Schedule Lookup webpage leads you through fee schedule selection steps and results in Medicare physician payment amounts.

FDA & CDC Issue Fluzone Vaccine Safety Alert
The Food and Drug Administration  and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently detected an increase in the number of reports to Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, or VAERS, of febrile seizures following vaccination with Fluzone (trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine or TIV, manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.).

Fox Business Features PAs
2011-01-21
The Fox Business website featured a story on how PAs play a pivital role in health care reform.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Supports the Positive Changes the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Offers PAs
2011-01-24
The American Academy of Physician Assistants supports the many provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that offer tremendous promise in improving health care for all Americans.

An Announcement from AAPA
The AAPA Board of Directors has asked James Potter - Senior Vice President, Advocacy and Government Relations - to serve as interim Executive Vice President/CEO of the organization following Bill Leinweber's resignation.

Last Chance to Sign Up for CORE Advocacy Bootcamp!
2011-01-28
Time is running out to sign up for the 2011 CORE Advocacy Bootcamp and Hill Day.

Tell Legislators to Allow PAs to Provide Hospice Care
2011-01-28
The 112th Congress is now well underway. Hopefully you've had the opportunity to reach out and connect with your new and returning Members.

HHS Announces Recovery of $4 Billion in Fraudulent Spending
2011-01-28
New rules under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), paired with the existing False Claims Act, have established an aggressive position for the government to defeat and prevent medical fraud.

Federal Court Finds in Favor of PA Overtime Pay
2011-01-28
A federal district court this month found in favor of physician assistant plaintiff, Charles E. Cuttic, who alleged that his employer, Crozer Chester Medical Center (CCMC) in Chester, Pennsylvania, should have been paying him time-and-a-half overtime for extra hours he has worked there over the past 15 years.

Marion-Polk County Medical Society Elects PA to Board of Directors
2011-01-28
By unanimous vote of its general membership, the Marion-Polk County Medical Society, whose office is in Salem, Oregon, amended its bylaws to offer physician assistants full membership.

Louisiana PA Cuts Ribbon on New Sickle Cell Unit
2011-01-28
Louisiana PA Jennifer Angelo helped to celebrate the opening of the Adult Sickle Cell Service and Day Treatment Unit, located at Louisiana State University's Feist-Weiller Cancer Center. Ms. Angelo, who is also the Legislative Chair of the Louisiana Academy of Physician Assistants, serves as the clinical instructor and clinical coordinator for the unit.

Arizona Drops Notification Requirement
2011-01-28
New law effective January 1 eliminates the requirement that Arizona PAs and physicians notify the state regulatory agency when they institute a supervising physician-PA relationship.

owa Bill Allowing PAs to Join LLCs Approved by Senate Committee
2011-01-28
A bill that authorizes PAs to join limited liability companies was unanimously approved by the Senate Human Resources Committee on January 20.

New Tools Available to Help with Registration for Electronic Health Record Incentive
2011-04-09
The Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs will provide incentive payments to eligible professionals, eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals as they adopt, implement, upgrade or demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology.Registration for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program is now open. 

PAs Eligible for 2011 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) Incentive Payment
2011-01-28
Known formerly as the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI), the new Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) allows PAs, and other eligible professionals, to select from a number of incentive payment options.

Timely Medicare Claims Rules
2011-01-28
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is reminding PAs, physicians, and other health care professionals who submit claims to Medicare that all claims for services furnished on or after January 1, 2010, must be filed with your Medicare contractor no later than one calendar year (12 months) from the date of service — or Medicare will deny them.

NCQA 2011 Medical Home Standards Recognize PAs & PA-Led Practice Sites
2011-04-09
PA-managed primary care practice sites are eligible for recognition as patient-centered medical homes under new standards from the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

AAPA Invited To Join Forces With White House
2011-04-12
AAPA is participating in a new White House initiative to support and honor America's service members and their families. Called "Joining Forces," the initiative aims to educate, challenge, and spark action from all sectors of our society, including the health care community, to ensure military families have the support they-need-and have earned.

Special CMS Conference Call On PQRS And ERX Incentive Progams
2011-04-06
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting a special conference call on the Physician Quality Reporting System/PQRS (formerly Physician Quality Reporting Initiative, PQRI) and E-Prescribing (eRx) incentive programs on Thursday, April 14, 2011 from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm Eastern Daylight Savings Time. PAs are eligible for both incentive programs and may benefit from the call along with physicians and office staff.

Virginia Academy Cheers Governor's Signature On PA-Supported Bills
2011-04-06
The outcome of the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants' Advocacy Day at the state capitol in early January has proven successful three times over.

State Health Exchanges: What Are States Doing?
2011-04-06
AAPA state advocacy and reimbursement staff recently attended a forum sponsored by AARP's Public Policy Institute which explored the variety of ways states are moving ahead with plans for the launch of state insurance exchanges as part of the Affordable Care Act.

Senate Contacts Needed on Hospice!
2011-04-06
An exciting development: We are very close to having a bill introduced in the Senate on the hospice issue.

Two Tips to Optimize Your Success in a New Employment Situation
2011-04-06
Communication and education are keys to help you succeed in a new employment situation.

Republicans Release 2012 Budget Proposal, Democrats Challenge
2011-04-06
House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) announced the Republican proposal for the 2012 budget — The Path to Prosperity.

HHS to Announce Comprehensive Plan to Reduce Health Disparities
2011-04-06
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announces  the most comprehensive federal initiative to address health disparities for racial, ethnic, and underserved communities.

Win a New iPad2 or Kindle from PAEA
2011-04-04
PA-Cs interested in winning a brand spanking new iPad2 or a Kindle need to make the time to take a PAEA survey on precepting between now and the end of April.

BOD Candidates on Diversity in PA Profession
2011-03-31
This week's question for the candidates for the 2011 General Election of the AAPA Board of Directors :

Attestation for the Medicare Electronic Health Record Incentive Program Opens April 18
2011-03-31
CMS has announced that registered eligible providers (physicians) may begin attesting April 18 that they meet the program's meaningful use requirements.

Free Webinars to Prepare for E-Transaction New Standards, April 4-8, 2011
2011-03-31
Compliance with electronic standards is mandatory for transmitting health care transactions, including claims, electronically. To help practices with compliance, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is sponsoring an educational effort that includes free webinars April 4-8, 2011.

New Medicare Information for Compliance Officers and Billing and Coding Professionals
2011-03-31
To provide health care professionals with the latest information on billing and coding compliance issues, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) maintains the Med Learn Matters Provider Compliance web page.

Colorado Bills Recognize PAs in New Sections of Law
2011-03-31
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper recently signed two bills into law, both of which recognize PAs.

Georgia Medical Board Adopts New PA Rules
2011-03-31
The Georgia Composite Medical Board recently adopted new regulations governing physician assistant practice.

New AAPA National Headquarters
2011-03-31
On Friday, April 1, AAPA's offices will be closed and reopen on Monday, April 4 at our new location.

Affordable Care Act Hearing
2011-03-31
AAPA President Patrick Killeen was recognized at a hearing this week on the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

BOD Candidates on Technology and Social Media in Medicine
2011-03-28
Many of us use technology and social media on a regular basis in our personal lives. But how can PAs use it for health education and even treatment?

AAPA Seeks Change in NGS Fracture Care Policy
2011-03-26
 AAPA has recently fielded multiple calls from PAs having received Medicare denials for fracture care in states covered by National Government Services, or NGS, the Medicare contractor for Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky and New York.

Will Your Practice Avoid the eRx Payment Penalty?
2011-03-24
Earning an Electronic Health Record (EHR) incentive payment for 2011 will not exempt your practice from the eRx payment adjustment in 2012.

Physician Assistants Join Forces with White House, Industry Groups to Serve Military Families
2011-04-13
The American Academy of Physician Assistants today announced its support and involvement in a White House initiative to improve the health and well-being of America’s military and their families.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Supports HHS Plans to Increase Health Equity
2011-04-08
The American Academy of Physician Assistants today welcomed the introduction of two Department of Health and Human Services strategic plans to reduce health disparities in the U.S.

AAPA Responds To Inaccurate Statements on the TODAY show(2)
2011-03-17
On Thursday, March 17, 2011, NBC's "TODAY" show aired a segment during which Dr. Nancy Snyderman made inaccurate statements about PAs.

Family Physicians, Physician Assistants Join Forces in Advocating Team-Based Primary Care
2011-02-21
Family physicians and physician assistants have joined forces in calling for national workforce, regulatory and payment policies that ensure Americans have access to high quality primary care in a team-oriented practice such as the patient-centered medical home.

Physician Assistants Promoting Team-Based Health Care Head to Capitol Hill
2011-02-16
The nation’s physician assistants are carrying an urgent message when they meet with congressional representatives on February 17, calling for support of patient-centered, team-based models of health care.

AAPA Calls First Physician Assistant Elected to Congress a Milestone for Health Care Policy
2010-11-05
The American Academy of Physician Assistants congratulates PA Karen Bass on her historic congressional victory Tuesday, November 2.

AAPA Poll Finds Patients Want More Time, Improved Communication With Health Care Providers
2010-10-06
A patient-centered, team-based model of health care delivery can increase care coordination and improve patient-provider communication, two key elements that boost patient satisfaction according to a new opinion poll released today by the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Local Physician Assistant Elected to American Academy of Physician Assistants’ House of Delegates
2010-08-10
L. Gail Curtis was elected as second vice speaker to the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ House of Delegates for a two-year term.

Lawrence Herman Elected to Board of Directors of American Academy of Physician Assistant
2010-08-10
Lawrence M. Herman, MPAS, RPA-C, DFAAPA, was elected to serve a two-year term as director-at-large for the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ Board of Directors.

Geisinger Physican Assistant Elected to Board of Directors of American Academy of Physician Assistants
2010-08-10
Michael Clyde Doll, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, was elected to serve a two-year term as director-at-large for the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ Board of Directors.

North Carolina Physician Assistant Elected President-Elect of American Academy of Physician Assistants’ Board of Directors
2010-08-10
Robert L. Wooten, PA, was elected president-elect of the American Academy of Physician Assistants for a one-year term.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Commends $250 Million Investment to Strengthen Primary Health Care Workforce
2010-06-17
The American Academy of Physician Assistants, representing more than 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants in the United States, strongly supports the administration’s announcement detailing $250 million in investments intended to increase the number of health care providers and strengthen the primary care workforce. The investments were made possible by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and will be used to help train and develop 16,000 new providers over the next five years, including physician assistants.

Idaho Physician Assistant Honored for Advancing Diabetes Care
2010-06-01
Hal Joseph, PA-C/CDE of Orofino, Idaho, received the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ 2010 PA Service to the Underserved Award at the organization’s 38th Annual Physician Assistant Conference in Atlanta yesterday. Joseph dedicated his career to helping those suffering from diabetes, a medical condition he has lived with since age 12, better manage their illness.

Portland-Area Physican-PA Team Recognized for Improving Cardiothoracic Patient Experience
2010-06-01
Dana Gray, PA-C, of Portland, Ore., along with his physician partner, Jonathan Hill, MD, received the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ 2010 Physician-PA Partnership Award at the organization’s 38th Annual Physician Assistant Conference in Atlanta yesterday.

Salt Lake City-Area Physician Assistant Recognized for Advancing Profession at University of Utah School of Medicine
2010-06-01
Donald M. Pedersen, PhD, PA-C, of Salt Lake City, Utah, received the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ 2010 Outstanding PA of the Year Award at the organization’s 38th Annual Physician Assistant Conference in Atlanta yesterday.

Seattle-Area Physician Assistant Honored for Efforts to Improve Medical Education in Rural Laos
2010-06-01
Phoumy Bobby Bounkeau, PhD, PA-C, of Seattle, Wash., received the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ 2010 Humanitarian PA of the Year Award at the organization’s 38th Annual Physician Assistant Conference in Atlanta yesterday.

Air Force Physician Assistant Honored for Avancing Profession, High-Quality Medical Care Across the Federal Services
2010-06-01
Col. John W. Bullock, PA-C, DFAAPA, of Falls Church, Va., received the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ 2010 Federal Service PA of the Year Award at the organization’s 38th Annual Physician Assistant Conference in Atlanta yesterday.

Physician Assistants Intrinsic to Quality Health Care for Military
2010-05-26
A coordinated medical care approach is critical in all health care delivery settings and is essential to wounded warriors needing transitional care when returning home from the front lines of battle.

Physician Assistants and Internists Reaffirm Need for Team-based Primary Care
2010-05-24
The American Academy of Physician Assistants and the American College of Physicians today released a policy monograph that supports the critical roles physician assistants and physicians play in improving access to high-quality primary care.

AAPA Applauds U.S. House of Representatives for Passing Health Care Reform Bill
2010-03-22
The American Academy of Physician Assistants, representing more than 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants in the United States, commends the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the health care reform bill, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, during a late night session on March 21.

AAPA Supports Macy Foundation Report
2010-03-10
AAPA applauds the innovative health care recommendations presented in the Josiah Macy, Jr., Foundations’ recent report entitled “Who Will Provide Primary Care and How Will They Be Trained?” The

Physician Assistants Call on Congress for Policies That Promote High-Quality Patient Care
2010-02-22
Hundreds of physician assistants (PAs) will converge in Washington, D.C. on February 23 during the American Academy of Physician Assistants' (AAPA) Capitol Connection summit to deliver the message to Capitol Hill that PAs are integral to a strong health care system that delivers the highest possible care to patients.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Welcomes New Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Government Affairs
2010-01-29
The American Academy of Physician Assistants, the only national professional society to represent all physician assistants across all areas of medicine, is pleased to announce James Potter has joined the Academy as Senior Vice President for Advocacy and Government Affairs.

Physician Assistants are Key to Fixing an Unsustainable Health Care System
2010-01-29
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) applauds the president’s determination to continue to work toward meaningful health care reform. Like the President and many business leaders, the Academy believes that the current health care system is simply not sustainable.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Applauds U.S. Senate for Passing Health Care Reform Bill
2009-12-28
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), representing more than 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants (PAs) practicing in the United States, applauds the U.S. Senate for passing its health care reform bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, in an historic early morning session on December 24th.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Applauds U.S. House of Representatives for Passing Health Care Reform Bill
2009-11-09
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), representing more than 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants (PAs) practicing in the United States, applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing Saturday its health care reform bill, H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Applauds Senate Confirmation of Dr. Regina Benjamin as Surgeon General
2009-10-30
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), representing approximately 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants (PAs) across the country, commends the United States Senate confirmation of Dr. Regina Benjamin as surgeon general.

AAPA Applauds House Democrats and the Affordable Health Care for America Act
2009-10-29
On behalf of the more than 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants (PAs) practicing in the United States, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)  congratulates Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democratic leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives  for unveiling today its health care reform bill, H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

Physician Assistant Asks Senate Committee to Create VA Position
2009-10-21
Today, on behalf of America’s more than 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants (PAs) in the United States, American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) vice president, Air Force veteran, and PA William Fenn testified before the United States Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee in support of S. 1155.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Applauds Senate Finance Committee for Advancing Health Reform Legislation
2009-10-14
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), representing 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants (PAs) in the United States, applauds the Senate Finance Committee’s vote to approve the America’s Healthy Future Act.  AAPA is committed to seeking health care reform legislation that provides the American people with access to quality, affordable, cost-effective health care.

Physician Assistants Can Help Remove Barriers to Care for Seniors
2009-10-08
As members of Congress debate what form a national health care plan should take, older Americans continue to suffer the consequences of a physician shortage that makes accessing basic care a struggle.

Baucus Bill Integrates Physician Assistants in Health Care Delivery
2009-09-17
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), representing 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants (PAs) in the United States, is very pleased that America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009, produced yesterday by Senator Max Baucus, fully integrates PAs into new team-based models of care that are designed to promote primary care and the coordination of care for patients with chronic medical conditions.

AAPA Commends House’s Passage of Bill that Establishes Director of Physician Assistant Services at the Veterans Health Administration
2009-07-28
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.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Applauds Obama for Billing PAs as Heroic Health Care Professionals Working With America’s Children
2009-07-20
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), representing 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants (PAs) in the United States, applauds President Obama today for listing PAs, along with other health care providers, as valiant health care professionals who “are doing heroic work each and every day to save the lives of America's children.”

American Academy of Physician Assistants Commends Nomination of Dr. Regina Benjamin for Surgeon General
2009-07-14
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), representing 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants (PAs) in the United States, applauds President Obama’s nomination of Dr. Regina Benjamin for surgeon general.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Applauds Passage of Bill Essential to Improving Care for American Veterans
2009-07-09
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. 1302 by the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Applauds Nomination of New NIH Director
2009-07-09
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) applauds President Obama’s nomination of Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., as Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at the Department of Health and Human Services.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Attends White House Meetings
2009-07-09
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) announced today that it was among a select group of health care provider organizations that met last week with Nancy Ann DeParle, Director of the White House Office of Health Reform, to discuss primary care solutions.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Commends National Institute of Health for Lifting Restrictions on Stem Cell Research
2009-07-08
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) applauds the National Institute of Health (NIH) for issuing new guidelines permitting federal funding for research using many of the embryonic stem cell lines that are believed to be in existence.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Applauds New Tobacco Law
2009-06-22
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), representing more than 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants (PAs) in the United States, applauds the 111th Congress for enacting, and President Obama for signing into law, the “Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.”

American Academy of Physician Assistants Supports Bill Essential to Improving Care for American Veterans
2009-06-18
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), representing more than 75,000 clinically practicing physician assistants (PAs) in the United States, applauds the House Veterans Affairs’ Subcommittee on Health for holding a hearing today on H.R. 1302.

AAPA President elect Stephen Hanson interview on You Tube
2009-05-26
PA Pro Now staff caught up with AAPA President-elect Stephen Hanson as he toured the Exhibit Hall at AAPA's 37th Annual Conference in San Diego.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Applauds Freiden’s Appointment to CDC Director
2009-05-20
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the only national professional society to represent all physician assistants, announced today its support of President Obama's selection of Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, the New York City health commissioner, as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Texas Physician Assistant Named Federal Service PA of the Year
2009-05-11
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) will award the 2009 Federal Service PA of the Year Award to seven-time Air Force Meritorious Service Medal winner, Col. Cheryl Gregorio, PA-C, of La Vernia, Texas. Gregorio is the 97th Medical Group Commander of the Air Force Base in Altus, Okla.

California Physician Assistant to Receive PA Service to the Underserved Award
2009-05-08
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) will award the 2009 PA Service to the Underserved Award to Margaret Allen, PA-C, who heads Ravenswood Family Health Center's "Health Care for the Homeless" program in East Palo Alto, Calif., and serves as lead clinician at their Belle Haven Clinic.

Texas Physician Assistant to Receive Physician-PA Partnership Award
2009-05-08
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) will award the 2009 Physician-PA Partnership Award to Laurie Ellen Benton, PA-C, of Temple, Texas, who has worked with Charles Foulks, M.D. developing programs to educate medical practitioners and patients on the causes and preventions of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

North Carolina Physician Assistant Named Outstanding PA of the Year
2009-05-08
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) will award the 2009 Outstanding PA of the Year Award to Robin Hunter Buskey, MPAS, PA-C.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Awards University of Colorado Denver Director Honorary Membership
2008-05-08
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) will award honorary membership to Anita Glicken, MSW, of Denver. Glicken works as director of the University of Colorado Denver's Child Health Associate/PA Program, where she also is a professor and section head of pediatrics.

Michigan Physician Assistant Named Humanitarian PA of the Year
2009-05-08
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) will award the 2009 Humanitarian PA of the Year Award to Julie Malacusky, PA-C, of Troy, Mich., who founded "The Dream Project" to help children orphaned and abandoned by the AIDS epidemic in Mozambique, Africa.

More than 70,000 Physician Assistants to Join National Drug Alerts Network
2009-04-07
2009-04-07 SAN FRANCISCO In an effort to improve patient safety and reduce medical liability, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) today announced its partnership with the Health Care Notification Network (HCNN). The HCNN is the online product safety Alert network that replaces the widel

American Academy of Physician Assistants Names Chief Operating Officer
2009-04-01
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the only national professional society to represent all physician assistants in every area of medicine, named Sabrina Lea Smith, DrHA, CRA, Chief Operating Officer, effective April 1, 2009.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Welcomes President's Stem Cell Ban Lift and Renewed Commitment to Scientific Integrity
2009-03-09
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) applauds President Obama for lifting the nearly eight-year old restrictions on federal funding limits on human embryonic stem cell research.

AAPA Officially Signs Divided We Fail Platform
2009-02-24
AAPA President Cindy Lord and CEO/Executive Vice President Bill Leinweber met with AARP President Jennie Chin Hansen at the AARP offices on Monday February 23, 2009 to sign an official pledge of support recognizing its long-standing relationship with the Divided We Fail initiative.

Stephen H. Hanson Chosen as President-elect of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
2008-12-23
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) announced today that California physician assistant Stephen H. Hanson, MPA, PA-C, has been elected to the position of president-elect following a special election process to fill the vacancy created by the untimely November death of former president-elect Paul Robinson.

AAPA Statement of Support Regarding Updated PhRMA Code
2008-07-10
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) today released the following statement supporting the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) for the substantive changes made to its Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals:

AAPA President Cynthia Booth Lord’s response to a recent essay in The New York Times
2008-06-17
In “Eyes Bloodshot, Doctors Vent Their Discontent” (Health, June 17), the essayist wrote of overworked physicians, struggling under the weight of clinical and nonclinical duties.

California Health Care Administrator Elected Second Vice Speaker of AAPA House of Delegates
2008-06-10
The American Academy of Physician Assistants’ (AAPA) House of Delegates (HOD) elected James E. Delaney, PA-C, from Fontana, California, as its second vice speaker during AAPA’s recent 36th Annual PA Conference in San Antonio.

Texas Physician Assistant Elected to National PA Association Board of Directors
2008-06-10
Linda Contreras, PA-C, M.P.A.S., of Dallas, Texas, has been elected as a director at large of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

Quinnipiac PA Program Director Takes Office as President of American Academy of Physician Assistants
2008-06-09
Cynthia Booth Lord, M.H.S., PA-C, of Cheshire, Connecticut, takes office June 10 as president of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

Emergency Medicine PA Elected President Elect of American Academy of Physician Assistants
2008-06-09
Paul Stephan Robinson, PA-C, has been elected president elect of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the only national organization to represent the nearly 70,000 physician assistants practicing in all medical and surgical specialties and all practice settings.

Portland Physician Assistant Is First Vice Speaker of AAPA House of Delegates
2008-06-09
The American Academy of Physician Assistants’ (AAPA) House of Delegates (HOD) elected Alan Hull, PA-C, from Portland, Maine, as its first vice speaker during AAPA’s 36th Annual PA Conference in San Antonio. AAPA is the only national organization to represent the nearly 70,000 physician assistants practicing in all medical and surgical specialties and all practice settings.

Michigan Educator Elected Speaker of House of Delegates and Vice President of American Academy of Physician Assistants
2008-06-09
Michigan Educator Elected Speaker of House of Delegates and Vice President of American Academy of Physician Assistants William H. Fenn, Ph.D., PA-C, DFAAPA, faculty member in the Western Michigan University Physician Assistant (PA) Department, has been elected vice president of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and Speaker of its House of Delegates (HOD).

Emergency Medicine PA Chair of the Board of American Academy of Physician Assistants
2008-06-09
Gregor Bennett, M.A., PA-C, immediate past president of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), has been elected by the Academy’s Board of Directors as its chair for 2008-2009.

The Nation's Nurse Practioners and Physician Assistants Join With Physician Leaders in Latest Expansion of Provider-Lead Electronic Prescribing Initiative
2008-06-09
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) today announced their participation in “Get Connected,” a new program designed to help more of the nation’s prescribers begin sending prescriptions to pharmacies electronically. The program aims to help thousands of prescribers comply with new Medicare rules scheduled to take affect on January 1, 2009 – rules that require all computer-generated prescriptions covered by the Medicare Part D program to be transmitted electronically.

American Academy of Physician Assistants’ House of Delegates Adopts Policy Aimed at Veterans’ Health
2008-06-02
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) urges physician assistants (PAs) to become advocates for veterans of current and past wars, helping them access the health care benefits to which they are entitled.

National Physician Assistant Association Announces 2008-2009 Board of Directors, House Officers
2008-06-01
Members of the American Academy of Physician Assistants have elected Paul Stephan Robinson, PA-C, of River Falls, Wisconsin, as AAPA president elect for 2008-2009.

The Children’s Shelter to Benefit from AAPA’s Host City Charity Campaign
2008-05-24
A year-long joint effort of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Physician Assistant Foundation, and the Student Academy of the AAPA (SAAAPA) will culminate with the donation of hundreds of children’s books to The Children’s Shelter, a San Antonio-based agency that provides emergency shelter care to children, therapeutic foster care, adoption, and many other services to promote the well being of children.

AAPA Responds to Washington Post Series on Health Care for Foreign Detainees
2008-05-12
Dear Editor:We at the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) wish to thank you for your recent series highlighting the problems foreign detainees face in obtaining quality health care.

AAPA Endorses 2008 Public Health Service Guidelines for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence
2008-05-07
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), representing nearly 70,000 physician assistants (PAs) practicing in the U.S., is pleased to join other national organizations in endorsing the Public Health Service-sponsored guidelines on Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update.

House Panel Passes Bipartisan Bill to Create Director of Physician Assistant Services at Veterans Health Administration
2008-05-07
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) welcomes the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs passage of bipartisan legislation to establish a position for a full-time Director of Physician Assistant (PA) Services within the office of the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health.

American Academy of Physician Assistants’ Annual Conference Showcases One of the Nation’s Fastest-Growing Professions
2008-05-05
SUMMARY: The latest developments in immigrant health issues, medical response to school shootings, and combat veteran care are a few of the topics bringing more than 8,000 physician assistants (PAs) and other health care professionals from around the world to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center May 24-29 for the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ (AAPA) 36th Annual PA Conference.

AAPA President Gregor F. Bennett's response to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal
2008-04-30
Tim Lemmer Letters Editor The Wall Street Journal 200 Liberty Street New York, NY 10281Dear Mr. Lemmer: Regarding "As Doctors Get a Life, Strains Show" (A1, April 29): We at the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) appreciated your article on the new generation of physicians who are trying to balance work and family.

Money Magazine Ranks Physician Assistant One of Best Careers to Have in a Recession
2008-04-10
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) applauds Money magazine for including physician assistants on its "Best careers to have in a recession" list the personal finance magazine posted Wednesday on CNNMoney.com.

Physician Assistants Stress Continued Need for Children to be Immunized
2008-03-07
The recent story about Hannah Poling, a young girl diagnosed with autism after receiving a series of vaccines, has raised questions in the public’s mind about the safety of childhood immunizations.

Physician Assistant Karen Bass Elected Speaker Elect of California State Assembly
2008-02-29
The California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA) announced that physician assistant Karen Bass is the first African-American woman elected as Speaker of the California State Assembly.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Names William F. Leinweber Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer
2007-12-18
The American Academy of Physician Assistants, the only national organization to represent physician assistants in all medical and surgical specialties, has announced the appointment of Bill Leinweber as the organization’s EVP/CEO, effective February 25.

Physician Assistants Play Key Role on Modern Health Care Team
2007-11-23
Physician shortages, increasing numbers of uninsured and underinsured, and a rising aging population indicate the need for proficient health care professionals. Physician assistants can meet patient needs because of their medical education and training. According to an analysis of the 2007 AAPA PA Census conducted by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), 85 percent of physician assistants (PAs) are projected to be in clinical practice.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Launches Campaign to Reduce Racial Disparities in Health Care
2007-11-01
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAP A) recently launched “Heads Up!” an innovative awareness campaign aimed at reducing racial and ethnic disparities in health care.

Quinnipiac Program Director Elected President Elect of American Academy of Physician Assistants
2007-06-22
Cynthia Booth Lord, PA-C, M.H.S., of Cheshire, Connecticut, has been elected president elect of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

PA in Surgery Elected Secretary of American Academy of Physician Assistants
2007-06-22
John D. Trimbath, M.P.A.S., PA-C, of Richmond Heights, Ohio, has been elected secretary of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Board of Directors (BOD).

Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Elected to American Academy of Physician Assistants Board of Directors
2007-06-22
Daniel Thibodeau, PA-C, M.H.P., of, Portsmouth, Virginia, has been elected to serve as a director at large to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Board of Directors (BOD).

Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Elected to American Academy of Physician Assistants Board of Directors(2)
2007-06-22
Daniel Thibodeau, PA-C, M.H.P., of, Portsmouth, Virginia, has been elected to serve as a director at large to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Board of Directors (BOD).

Greg Bennett, PA in Emergency Medicine, Begins Term as President of American Academy of Physician Assistants
2007-06-21
Gregor Bennett, M.A., PA-C, of Rockford, Michigan, began his term as president of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) on June 10.

National Physician Assistant Academy and Scott & White Sponsor Intensive Critical Care Workshop
2007-06-13
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and Scott & White Hospital announce a week-long intensive critical care workshop (ICCW) being held at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas, June 11-15.

PAs Address Emergency Department Overcrowding, Retail Clinics, Reparative Therapy, and Deceptive Health Care Advertising During 35th Annual Conference
2007-05-29
Physician assistants (Pas) addressed a broad range of issues – including overcrowding in emergency departments, retail clinics, reparative therapy, retail-based clinics, deceptive health care advertising, and apologizing for adverse outcomes – during the 35th annual conference of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), meeting in Philadelphia through May 31.

National Physician Assistant Conference To be Held in Philadelphia
2007-05-02
The largest annual gathering of the physician assistant (PA) profession – the fourth fastest-growing profession in the country – will convene Saturday, May 26, through Thursday, May 31, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

Indiana Governor Signs Legislation Allowing Physician Assistants to Prescribe Medicines
2007-04-27
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Indiana Academy of PAs (IAPA) have announced that Governor Mitch Daniels has signed legislation allowing physicians to delegate prescriptive authority to physician assistants (PAs) within the state.

New Data Provide Insight about Physician Assistant Profession
2006-12-18
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) announced that its 2006 AAPA Census Survey Reports are available on-line with revised Information Updates for the following categories: the projected number of physician assistants (PAs) in clinical practice, the number of patient visits made to PAs, the number of medications prescribed or recommended by PAs; physician assistant income, and fringe benefits received by PAs.

Physician Assistants Fill the Gap in Providing Medical Care Services
2006-10-13
Recent news headlines have predicted a growing shortage of physicians in the United States. New data from the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) show that 57 percent of clinically practicing physician assistants (PAs) are employed by physician practices, helping to fill that potential gap in providing essential health care services in these and other medical facilities.

Michigan Emergency Medicine PA Elected President Elect of National Health Care Organization
2006-05-30
Gregor Bennett, M.A., PA-C, of Rockford, Michigan, has been elected president elect of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

California Health Care Administrator Elected to Board of National Health Care Association
2006-05-30
James E. Delaney, PA-C, of Claremont, California, has been elected to the board of directors for the American Academy of Physicians Assistants (AAPA).

Portland Physician Assistant Elected to Board of National Health Care Organization
2006-05-30
The national organization representing all physician assistants (PA) re-elected Alan Hull from Portland, Maine, second vice speaker its House of Delegates.

Physician Assistant Educator Elected to National Health Care Association Board
2006-05-29
Patti Pagels, M.P.A.S, PA-C, of Colleyville, Texas, has been elected to the board of directors of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

Former President of Physician Assistant Foundation Elected President of National Health Care Organization
2006-05-29
Mary Ettari, M.P.H., PA-C, of Jensen Beach, Florida will take office as the president of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) on June 10.

National Physician Assistant Conference To be Held in San Francisco
2006-04-27
The largest annual gathering of the physician assistant (PA) profession – the fourth fastest-growing profession in the country – will convene Saturday, May 27 – Thursday, June 1, at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco.

National Organization Honors Physician-Physician Assistant Team for Dedication Against the Odds
2006-04-04
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) has named Elaine Nelson, M.D., and Cyndy Flores, PA-C, of San Jose, California recipients of its 2006 Physician-Physician Assistant PArtnership Award.

National Physician Assistant Organization Receives Grant to Develop Web-based Education Program
2006-03-07
A work group of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) was awarded a $20,000 grant from the National Coalition for Health Professional Education (NCHPEG) to develop a new program that will educate physician assistants (PAs), PA students, and PA educators about the role of genetics within a clinical setting.

Bill Granting PAs More Medical Care Services, Prescriptive Authority Passes in Ohio
2006-02-02
Ohio will soon became the 49th state to grant physician assistants (PAs) prescriptive authority.

Physician Assistant Profession Among Top Ten Professions Cited for Future Job Growth
2005-12-05
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) released its ten-year projections of future job growth for 2004 through 2014. The physician assistant profession was among the top 10 fastest growing professions in the U.S.

Physician Assistants See Rise in Annual Income
2005-11-03
The good news for physician assistants (PAs) according to the 2005 American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) census survey is that the ir average annual income continues to rise. The average income for PAs who work 32 hours per week is $81,129, up from $78,257 in 2004 and $68,757 in 2000.

Physician Assistants Send Strong Endorsement for Hurricane-Relief Legislation
2005-10-08
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) announced today its support of the Emergency Health Care Relief Act of 2005.

Physician Assistants Partner with Chevron Corporation To Raise Thousands to Assist Katrina Victims
2005-09-05
The philanthropic arm of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Chevron Corporation have joined forces to raise more than $35,000 for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Founder of the Physician Assistant Profession Dies
2005-06-14
On June 12, Eugene Stead Jr., M.D., a founder of the PA profession, died in his sleep at his lake home in Bullock, North Carolina.

Physician Assistants Elect AAPA President-Elect, Board Members
2011-04-15
The American Academy of Physician Assistants Election Committee today announced the results of its election for the President-Elect and Board of Directors.

MINNESOTA PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT HONORED FOR HUMANITARIAN OUTREACH IN TIMES OF DISASTER
2011-05-27
American Academy of Physician Assistants Recognizes Mary L. Fargen, PA-C with Humanitarian PA of the Year Award

OHIO PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT HONORED FOR EXEMPLARY FEDERAL HEALTH CARE SERVICE
2011-05-27
Colonel Douglas C. Hodge, PA-C Named Federal Service PA of the Year by American Academy of Physician Assitants

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT HONORED FOR PROVIDING LIFE-CHANGING CARE TO YUBA COUNTY-AREA FAMILIES IN NEED
2011-05-27
Rachel Stark Farrell, PA-C receives prestigious PA Service to the Underserved Award

National Health Care Organizations Partner to Tackle Health Care Disparities
2011-06-07
American Academy of Physician Assistants and National Medical Association collaborate to promote Cultural Diversity among their constituencies.

San Diego Physician-PA Team Honored For Team-Based Approach To Care In Diabetes And Endocrinology
2011-05-27
Washington, DC – The American Academy of Physician Assistants welcomed the approval of the Physician Assistant Practice Modernization Act by Governor John Kitzhaber.

West Chester Physician Assistant Named Outstanding PA Of The Year For Genomic Expertise And Education
2011-05-27
Philadelphia University Associate Professor Michael “Rocky” Rackover to be Recognized with Prestigious Industry Award

Physician Assistants Welcome Senate Hospice Care Bill
2011-05-09
American Academy of Physician Assistants support bill that would allow PAs to provide hospice services to Medicare beneficiaries. 

American Academy of Physician Assistants Welcomes New Leadership
2011-06-22
 American Academy of Physician Assistants welcomes New Leadership as President-elect James Delaney begins his one-year term.

American Academy of Physician Assistants Welcomes New President 2011
2011-06-17
American Academy of Physician Assistants welcomes new president Robert Wooten.

Oregon Governor Increases Patient Access to Care by Improving Physician Assistant Role
2011-08-09
The American Academy of Physician Assistants welcomed the approval of the Physician Assistant Practice Modernization Act by Governor John Kitzhaber. 

Legislation Would Extend Promise of Electronic Health Records to Underserved Communities
2011-08-04
The American Academy of Physician Assistants welcomed legislation to amend the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act to extend electronic health record Medicaid incentive payments to all physician assistants who meet the Act’s criteria in serving Medicaid patients. 

Physician Assistant Workforce in the United States Reaches Record High
2011-09-08
2011-09-08 Physician Assistant Workforce in the United States Reaches Record High   American Academy of Physician Assistants Census Report contains key information on fast-growing health care profession     Washington, DC – The American Academy of Physician Assistants today released its 2010 Ce

Physician Assistant Appointed to Serve as Medical Officer at National Level
2011-09-15
2011-09-15 Physician Assistant Appointed to Serve as Medical Officer at National Level     WASHINGTON, DC – Robert J. McNellis, MPH, PA, has been appointed as visiting senior scholar at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) where he will serve as a medical officer. McNellis’ appointmen

Jennifer Dorn Named New CEO of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
2011-09-26
After an extensive nationwide search, the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Physician Assistants has selected Jennifer L. (Jenna) Dorn as its Chief Executive Officer. She joins AAPA on October 31.

PA Week Blog Party to Highlight Importance of Prevention
2011-10-05
PA Pro Now blog to host PA Week Blog Party on Oct. 7 to emphasize the importance of preventive care, including regular health screenings and check-ups.

Physician Assistants Focus on Preventive Care During National PA Week
2011-10-10
An ounce of prevention is worth far more than a pound of cure to reduce the number of patients throughout the U.S. combating chronic illnesses, according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Physician assistants across all specialties are practicing medicine on the front lines of preventive care every day, serving as “prevention ambassadors” and helping millions of patients prevent illness and disease.

Rep. Karen Bass Recognizes PAs Before Congress
2011-10-20
2011-10-20 Rep. Karen Bass Honors PAs Before U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) acknowledged National PA Week in remarks on the House floor. Rising to address the House, she stated, “Mr. Speaker, as we mark the final day of PA week, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating th

NIH Video Educates Students on PA Career
2011-10-21
2011-10-21 This educational video , produced by the Houston Health Museum and featured on the National Institutes of Health's LifeWorks website, features Yvonne Vigil, a PA at the VA Medical Center in Houston. LifeWorks is a site aimed at educating middle and high school students about health and medical scien

Videos: PAs Support Joining Forces
2011-10-21
2011-10-21 AAPA firmly believes that meeting the health care needs of our nation's veterans and their families takes a team approach. The White House has called on AAPA and other health care leaders to participate in Joining Forces, a national initiative to mobilize all sectors of society to give our service me

White House Emphasizes PA Profession for Veterans
2011-10-26
President Barack Obama this week renewed the administration’s commitment to providing support to veterans looking for work when they leave the military, emphasizing the physician assistant profession as a pathway to a fulfilling career for veterans.

Video Message from AAPA President Robert Wooten, PA-C
2011-11-17
AAPA believes that advocacy for the PA profession is a joint effort between the Academy and all PAs who carry their message to decision makers. In the first of a series of special video messages, AAPA President Robert Wooten, PA-C, explains

House Passes Bill to Expand Ways PAs Treat Federal Employees
2011-11-29
AAPA welcomed the U.S. House of Representatives’ approval of legislation that would allow PAs to diagnose and treat federal employees with job-related traumatic injuries. 

AAPA Welcomes Bill to Increase Access to Hospice Care
2012-01-26
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) welcomes the introduction of a bill, submitted today, allowing physician assistants (PAs) to provide hospice service to Medicare beneficiaries.

PAs Set the Record Straight in Illinois
2012-03-27
2012-03-27 AAPA, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants and hundreds of PAs in the Prairie State voiced their concerns to Hospital Sisters Health System over a negative marketing piece. The publication was distributed to more than 20,000 people and inaccurately describes the role of a PA on the healthcare t

Physician Assistants Celebrate a Year of Joining Forces Partnership
2012-04-12
2012-04-12 ALEXANDRIA, VA – The American Academy of Physician Assistants today celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Joining Forces initiative and welcomed recognition from first lady Michelle Obama for the effort of PAs to serve the military community.   “We are proud and honored that Mrs. Obama reco

2012 Election Results: AAPA President-Elect, Board Members
2012-05-01
The American Academy of Physician Assistants Election Committee today announced the results of its election for the president-elect, secretary-treasurer and Board of Directors. Lawrence Herman, of Huntington, N.Y., was elected president-elect, and will serve a one year term beginning in June, after which he will become president of the Academy’s Board of Directors 

Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Honored as Patient Advocate and Champion
2012-05-15
2012-05-15 American Academy of Physician Assistants Honors Connecticut PA as Outstanding PA of the Year   ALEXANDRIA, VA — Since the early days of her career as a physician assistant in family practice, Cynthia Lord, MHS, PA-C, of Cheshire, Conn. has been driven by her passion for serving patients with th

Air Force Physician Assistant Revolutionizes Medical Standards in Combat Care
2012-05-15
2012-05-15 American Academy of Physician Assistants Honors Veteran PA with 2012 Federal Service PA of the Year Award     Alexandria, VA — Over the course of her 20-year career as a physician assistant, Air Force Lt. Col. Pamela Lucas, PA-C, has improved disaster and humanitarian response wo

Pioneering Healthcare Team Helps Generations of El Pasoan Families with Chronic Illness Thrive
2012-05-15
More than 35 years ago, a local physician and physician assistant joined forces to help care for the growing number of El Pasoans struggling with diabetes and other chronic endocrine disorders. Together, Dwight Deter, PA-C, and Wilbur J. Strader, MD, founded the Southwest Endocrine Consultants, which is now one of the most highly-regarded diabetes and endocrine practices in the Southwest.The American Academy of Physician Assistants will honor Deter and Strader with the 2012 Physician-PA Partnership Award for a career of providing the best possible care to patients through the unique relationship between physicians and physician assistants. The award will be presented on May 28 at AAPA’s Annual Physician Assistant Conference in Toronto, Ontario.

Touro University PA Leader Helps Thousands of Homeless, Abused Women Lead Healthier Lives
2012-05-15
2012-05-15 American Academy of Physician Assistants Honors Innovative Clinic Founder with PA Service to the Underserved Award   Alexandria, VA — Three years ago, Vicki Chan-Padgett, PA-C, of Las Vegas, Nev., stumbled upon a troubling reality within the city’s healthcare sector. Thousands of women and t

New Hampshire Physician Assistant Spearheads Humanitarian Efforts Abroad
2012-05-15
2012-05-15 American Academy of Physician Assistants Honors Portsmouth PA with Humanitarian PA of the Year Award   Alexandria, VA — When Jack Gardner, PA-C, of Portsmouth, N.H., left a successful business career 12 years ago to become a physician assistant, he did not anticipate the number of lives he w

PA Educator and Activist Receives Profession’s Highest Honor
2012-05-15
2012-05-15 Ruth Ballweg, MPA, PA-C, will receive the Eugene A. Stead Jr. Award for her lifelong commitment to furthering the PA profession    Alexandria, VA – The American Academy of Physician Assistants will honor Ruth Ballweg as the 2012 recipient of AAPA's Eugene A. Stead Jr. Award of Achieve

James Grepling Receives Inaugural PA-Patient Hero of the Year Award
2012-05-27
2012-05-27 Physician assistant recognized by patients for his exemplary service and dedication Toronto, Ontario – James Grepling, PA-C, received the first-ever PA-Patient Hero of the Year award at during the American Academy of Physician Assistants Annual PA Conference in Toronto, Ontario. The awa

Forbes Ranks Physician Assistant Studies as Top Master’s Degree for Long-Term Employment Opportunity
2012-06-11
2012-06-11 Majority of PAs are female as the profession grows Alexandria, VA — Forbes again named physician assistant studies the single best master’s degree for the third year in a row, citing the profession’s favorable outlook for salary and long-term employment. “The continued recognition from Forbes

American Academy of Physician Assistants Welcomes President James Delaney
2012-06-14
2012-06-14 James Delaney begins one-year term as professional association leader   Alexandria, VA – James Delaney, PA-C, became president of the American Academy of Physician Assistants this week, following his year-long term as president-elect. Delaney will serve a one-year term as president of the Ameri

Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Care Act
2012-06-28
2012-06-28 Alexandria, VA – The American Academy of Physician Assistants respects the judicial review undertaken by the United States Supreme Court to uphold the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Academy is pleased that the Court upheld the many positive provisions of th

Physician Assistants Support Veterans on the Long Road Home Project
2012-07-16
2012-07-16 Alexandria, VA – The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Long Road Home Project , which aims to help veterans with their transitions home and draw attention to a national concern. Casey Miller, a civilian, will lead five veterans on a

Fast-growing Physician Assistant Workforce Ready to Meet Healthcare Demand
2012-10-05
Savvy patients and a cost-conscious marketplace are demanding new models of care that utilize all providers to their fullest potential, increase access and improve health outcomes. Fortunately, team-based, patient-centered medicine is the hallmark of the physician assistant profession and a perfect fit for today’s changing healthcare system. 

American Academy of Physician Assistants Joins Alliance for Rational Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
2012-10-09
2012-10-09 Alexandria, VA – The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) has joined with advocacy and healthcare leaders committed to supporting safe and appropriate use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The groups partnering in the Alliance for Rational Use of NSAIDs will encourage pa

American Academy of Physician Assistants and American College of Physicians Foundation Partner on Heart Health during National PA Week
2012-10-12
More than 2 million Americans have Afib, and about 300,000 Americans are diagnosed with the cardiac arrhythmia each year. The incidence and prevalence are expected to climb as the population ages, and Afib already has a high prevalence as a primary diagnosis and secondary comorbidity. So improving the care and information available to patients and providers could reduce length of hospital stays, stroke risk and re-admission risk for multiple conditions. To that end, the American College of Physicians (ACP) Foundation and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) are committed to improving care for the 2.6 million Americans with Afib.  

PAs Committed to Cancer Prevention, Awareness
2012-10-12
2012-10-12 Alexandria, VA – Both medical providers and their patients require comprehensive resources and information at their fingertips to prevent, diagnose, treat and recover from cancer. This week, the American Academy of Physician Assistants and American Cancer Society will begin offering these resources t

Emphasizing Need for a Modern, Uniform Licensure Process
2012-10-25
2012-10-25 American Academy of Physician Assistants Partners with the Federation of State Medical Boards to Modernize Licensing Process for PAs Alexandria, VA – The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) has been awarded a three-year grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRS

Weight-loss and Health Benefits of Stevia Sweeteners
2012-10-25
2012-10-25 Physician Assistants and International Food Information Council Foundation Agree on possible benefits of low-calorie sweeteners Alexandria, VA – Stevia sweeteners have been touted for their ability to provide a natural, no-calorie source of sweetness, allowing consumers to enjoy sweet foods wi

Returning Warriors Can Prepare for Physician Assistant Careers
2012-11-09
2012-11-09 Alexandria, VA – The physician assistant (PA) profession was born in the military and those roots run deep. The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) and PA programs around the country are committed to ensuring that veterans have a clear

Physician Assistants and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Urge Americans to 'Get Smart About Antibiotics'
2012-11-16
2012-11-16 Alexandria, Va. — The American Academy of Physician Assistants is proud to partner with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to promote the healthy use of antibiotics during the CDC’s Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, Nov. 12–18, 2012.    The effort synchronizes the CDC Get Sma

AAPA LifeLock Identity Theft Protection Services
2013-02-26
AAPA and LifeLock, Inc. announced today that AAPA’s members can now enroll in LifeLock® identity theft protection at a reduced price. AAPA’s commitment to ensuring the professional growth, personal excellence and recognition of physician assistants is a natural fit with the LifeLock commitment to protecting consumers from the threats of identity theft.

Kentucky Modernizes PA Practice, Improves Access to Team-Based Healthcare
2013-03-26
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants (KAPA) welcomed the passage of legislation to modernize PA practice in the Bluegrass State.

Dr. Benjamin Carson and Carol James, PA-C, Withdraw from Conference
2013-04-12
Dr. Benjamin Carson and Carol James, PA-C, notified AAPA that they will not be participating in the 41st Annual PA Conference in May as award recipients, and Carson has withdrawn as a speaker at the conference.

Indiana Increases Access to Healthcare
2013-04-30
Gov. Mike Pence approved Indiana House Bill 1099, which takes steps to modernize how PAs practice medicine and serve Indiana’s communities. Provisions within the bill remove barriers to how PAs practice, increasing their ability to care for patients in rural and underserved communities.

AAPA Announces Board of Directors Election Results
2013-05-01
The American Academy of Physician Assistants today announced the results of its election for president-elect and three directors-at-large.

Missouri Increases Access to Healthcare
2013-05-10

Resources for the Digital PA
2013-05-25

Texas Physician Assistant Honored for Bringing Medical Care to Disadvantaged Communities Worldwide
2013-05-25

Michigan Physician Assistant Applies Passion to Building Stronger Communities in Nepal
2013-05-25

Michigan-Based Physician Assistant Celebrated as a Longtime Healthcare Advocate
2013-05-25

North Carolina Veteran and Physician Assistant Dedicates Career to Mentoring Future Medical Workforce
2013-05-25

Physician Assistant Honored for Helping Aging Veterans Realize Dreams
2013-05-25