PA Receives Secretary of the Army Award of Valor
2011-05-23
2011-05-23  by Janette Rodrigues PA Michael Grant Cahill posthumously received the Secretary of the Army Award of Valor today for being the first to try to stop the Fort Hood gunman before being slain. The Associated Press reported that Cahill, 62, clutched a chair over his head and ran at the gunman soo

Five Health Systems Team Up to Share Patient Data
2011-05-19
Five leading health care systems who have become known as leaders in the use of electronic medical records are joining forces to exchange patient health data. Geisinger Health System of Penn., Kaiser Permanente of Calif., Mayo Clinic of Minn., Intermountain Health Care of Utah, and Gr

FDA Kicks Off Campaign to Stop Acetaminophen Overdose
2011-05-18
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently launched a national public health campaign called "The Safe Use of Acetaminophen." It seeks to educate the public about the dangers of misusing acetaminophen and how to use it safely. Among the mostly widely used drugs in the country,

PA Studies Tops Forbes Best Master’s Degrees For Jobs List
2011-06-07
For the second year in a row, Forbes put the master's degree in physician assistant studies at the top of its "Best Master's Degrees for Jobs" list. While a master's degree in PA studies is tied with a master's degree in computer science, the master's in PA studies gets top billing.   

Mild TBI Pocket Guide App Now Available
2011-06-09
In 2008, the New England Journal of Medicine reported that mild traumatic brain injury, or TBI, occurring among soldiers deployed in Iraq is strongly associated with PTSD and physical health problems that emerge three to four months after service members return home.  

AAPA And NMA Promote Health Equity
2011-06-09
As America's population becomes increasingly diverse, health care providers are recognizing the importance of connecting with those they serve by developing culturally-informed, patient-centered approaches to care.

In Memoriam: Rural Health Care Advocate And PA Leader
2011-06-14
PA Ron L. Nelson, a champion of the PA profession and two-time AAPA president, who dedicated his life to making quality health care accessible to medically underserved communities in rural America, died Saturday, June 11, after a year-long struggle with Stage 4 colon cancer. He was 58.

In Memoriam: Creator Of Interservice And Nebraska PA Programs
2011-05-13
Jesse Edwards, a pioneering leader in PA education whose historic contributions led to the development of the profession in the state of Nebraska and the military's Interservice Physician Assistant Program, died May 10, 2011. He was 83.

First PA Killed in Iraq Honored At Fort Campbell
2011-05-13
Capt. Sean Grimes was honored in a ceremony at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, or BACH, at Fort Campbell, Ky., with the dedication of the Capt. Sean P. Grimes Physician Assistant Training Center. Friends, family and military colleagues attended the ceremony, which honored Grimes' service. 

UAB Surgical PA Programs Students And Staff After Deadly Storm
2011-05-12
Deadly tornadoes swept through Alabama on April 27, reducing entire neighborhoods and towns to rubble and killing hundreds. University of Alabama at Birmingham-Surgical Physician Assistant  Program staff and students began pitching in to help after weathering the miles-wide storm.  

FDA Approves Meningitis Vaccine For Infants
2011-05-11
A vaccine that prevents a life-threatening form of meningitis is now approved by the FDA for use in children as young as 9 months.

HHS Inspector Finds Overmedicating At Nursing Homes
2011-05-11
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, or OIG, found that thousands of elderly nursing home residents with dementia may have been overmedicated with strong anti-psychotic drugs that could harm them. According to the recently released report, almost 90 percent of 300,000 nursing home residents with dementia were medicated with these powerful drugs.

States Banning Bath Salts
2011-05-10
More states are banning a new designer drug called "bath salts." Laced with a powerful synthetic stimulant, public health officials say the drug is eliciting extreme adverse events among those using it to get high.

Senate Bill Seeks To Remove A Medicare Barrier For PAs
2011-05-06
A bill was introduced in the Senate this week to allow PAs to provide hospice services to Medicare beneficiaries. Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Kent Conrad, D-North Dakota, introduced S. 891, the Medicare Hospice Care Access Act, on May 5, 2011. Please contact your Senators as soon as possible and ask them to cosponsor this important legislation.

Challenge Bowl Bracket Announced
2011-04-27
The Student Academy recently released the bracket for the 21st Annual National Medical Challenge Bowl. 

2011 HOD Resolutions Released
2011-04-25
The House of Delegates, AAPA's policy-making body, recently announced a list of 44 formal resolutions it will review during IMPACT 2011 in Las Vegas.

AAPA Weighs In On Team-Based Primary Care
2011-04-25
In response to a piece on "The Disappearing Family Doctor" penned by New York Times columnist Tara Parker-Pope, AAPA President Patrick Killeen shared some knowledge about team medicine with NYT readers. He explained that the proven model of family physicians and PAs, working together in a team-oriented practice, delivers high-quality, cost-effective patient care.

2011-2013 Commission And Work Group Chairs Announced
2011-04-25
This year, AAPA is launching a new volunteer leader governance structure of commissions and work groups, which will replace the previous committee and council structure that dates back to the late 1970s.

AAPA President's Letter To The Editor Of USA Today
2011-04-21
In a letter to the editor in USA TODAY, AAPA President Patrick Killeen urges a prevention-first approach to combat chronic life-long illness and potentially preventable chronic disease in children. The letter was in response to a Life section cover story, "Young Lives of Limitations" published on April 13.

Project Access Needs Volunteers!
2011-04-19
A majority of America's children will be minorities before the decade is out, a trend that could broaden the pool of underrepresented minority applicants interested in becoming PAs. The time is now for Project Access, a joint effort by AAPA and the Physician Assistant Education Association to inspire and motivate minority youth to pursue a career as a PA. 

Ophthalmology Management Shows PAs Some Love
2011-04-15
Ophthalmology Management highlights the value of PAs in this practice setting in an article in the magazine's April 2011 issue.

The Results Are In
2011-04-15
Your votes for AAPA's 2011 General Election have been counted and certified. Here are the newest members of AAPA's Board of Directors, who will take office June 10, 2011.

Got Student Loan Debt?
2011-04-13
No one wants to be stuck with upwards of $60,000 worth of student loans. But that's the situation many a PA student is in after they graduate. The National Health Service Corps, or NHSC, offers primary care providers financial support in the form of loan repayment or scholarships so they can practice in underserved areas of the country without the burden of educational debt.

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.

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. We encourage you to contact the candidates directly to pose your own questions, comments and opinions about the future of AAPA and your profession. 

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. Fisher, who first enlisted in 1993, was a longtime Ranger medic.

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
 Here is this week's question for the candidates for the 2011 General Election of the AAPA Board of Directors :How would you propose the Academy increase the diversity of membership, leadership and the profession?  

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? That's this week's question for the candidates for the 2011 General Election of the AAPA Board of Directors.

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. NGS reportedly has instituted a new computer edit, effective January 1, 2011, automatically denying claims for fracture care when provided by a PA.

BOD Candidates Give Opinions On AAPA Health Reform Priorities
2011-03-21
 It's time to find out where those who hope to be your AAPA leaders stand on the issues. Today is the second in a series of posts related to the 2011 General Election of the AAPA Board of Directors.

AAPA President's Response to the TODAY show
2011-03-18
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.

PAs needed for Columbia University's TeenScreen National Registry
2011-03-15
About 20 percent of U.S. youth during their lifetime are affected by some type of mental disorder to an extent that they have difficulty functioning, according to a NIMH survey published in the October 2010 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

PA Appointed to National Psoriasis Foundation Board
2011-03-14
PA Sarah Kurts, of Denver, Colo., was recently appointed to the National Psoriasis Foundation Board of Trustees in recognition of her longtime service to the Psoriasis Foundation as a member and volunteer.

AAPA Census Open Through April 14
2011-03-14
We have exciting and important news. In response to your requests to complete the 2010 AAPA Census, we are officially re-opening the online 2010 Census for 5 weeks only. We received so many requests from PAs to complete the census after the January 31 deadline that we decided to re-open the survey portal through April 14, 2011.

2011 AAPA Election Polls Open
2011-03-11
Voting is now open! It's time to vote for your AAPA leaders! The slate includes candidates for president-elect and three director-at-large positions. Today is one in a series of posts related to the 2011 General Election of the AAPA Board of Directors.

PA-led Patient Safety Committee Earns National Award
2011-03-10
University of Michigan Health System Chief Physician Assistant Marc J. Moote, M.S., P.A.-C., chairman of the hospital system's Venous Thromboembolism Prevention Committee, will accept the DVTeamCare Hospital Award on behalf of UMHS in April at the North American thrombosis Forum's Annual Thrombosis Prevention Forum in Boston.

PA Inducted into the American College of Critical Care Medicine
2011-03-10
Byron Turkett, PA-C, MPAS, FCCM, was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine, or ACCM, at the College Convocation/SCCM Awards Presentation in January in San Diego. ACCM is part of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, or SCCM, and helps foster the Society's mission by recognizing the highest achievements in multiprofessional critical care.

A Patients's Eye View
2011-03-10
David Hollar's memoir "Mr NewHeart: From Heart Attack to Transplant and Beyond" was reviewed in PA Professional's July/August 2009 issue.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Names PA Director
2011-03-05
Denni J. Woodmansee, PA-C, was recently named Director of Physician Assistant Services for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The new full-time Senior Executive Service level position was established last year by congressional legislation.

2011 Cherry Blossom Run Needs Physician Assistants
2011-03-04
Did you know that PAs interested in doing the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run and 5K Run/Walkcan bypass the race's highly competitive lottery system by becoming a medical volunteer? Yes, Cherry Blossom Run volunteers are guaranteed a spot in the following year's race. (Or you can give away your spot to a loved one or friend.)

Cawley Named Winner Of the Stead Award
2011-03-01
The AAPA Awards Committee recently selected James F. Cawley, MPH, PA-C, as the 2011 recipient of AAPA's Eugene A. Stead Jr. Award of Achievement. He is being recognized for the groundbreaking research he has done on PAs, which has advanced the PA profession and helped increase access to primary care through the use of PAs.

2011 PAragon Award Recipients Announced
2011-03-01
The AAPA Awards Committee recently announced the winners of the 2011 PAragon Awards. The awards are given to PAs who have distinguished themselves in service to patients, their community and the PA profession.

PAs Hit The Hill
2011-02-18
Over 200 PAs and students from across the country descended on Capitol Hill yesterday for the 2011 CORE Advocacy Day to get the word out to legislators about the profession.

IOM President Harvey Fineberg Speaks At AAPA BOD Meeting
2011-02-18
Institute of Medicine President Harvey Fineberg, MD, PhD spoke to AAPA’s Board of Directors yesterday on the status of health care in the U.S. and his views on physician assistants as a solution to some of the challenges.

NHS Awards £350,000 For Study On PAs
2011-02-07
 The National Health Service awarded £350,000, or more than $500,000, to researchers to assess the contribution of PAs to health care delivery in the United Kingdom. The two-year study will look at how effective PAs are in the workplace, cost effectiveness as well as how they are viewed by patients, physicians, nurses and other health care professionals. 

Q&A With A Second-Generation PA
2011-02-07
Second-generation PA Joseph P. Liebsack II is featured in a nice Q&A and video by theSavannah Morning News of Savannah, Ga. Along with schooling readers on the PA profession, he talks about how he came to be a second-generation PA, preceptoring and what he loves about his job.

A Message From AAPA's President: A Call To Action For COPD Screening
2011-02-03
AAPA President Patrick Killeen issued the following letter to encourage PAs to screen patients for COPD.

An Announcement From AAPA
2011-01-26
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.

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. Fox Business reporter Barbara Mannino's explained how PAs add efficiency to our nation's health-care system

FDA & CDC Issue Fluzone Vaccine Safety Alert
2011-01-20
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.). Fluzone is the only influenza vaccine recommended for use for the 2010-2011 flu season in infants and children 6-23 months of age.

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

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.

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. Although testing for CF should be a part of the Newborn Screening panel performed before an infant leaves the hospital, not all states require routine CF screening, reports the National Institutes of Health.

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. The 7.0-magnitude quake killed more than 200,000 people and displaced about 1.5 million. In the aftermath, international aid poured into Haiti, including medical teams from across the U.S. and other countries. PAs were among the first health care providers to arrive to help.

AAPA Responds To AMA Article On Hiring Physician Assistants & Nurse Practitioners
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." AAPA President Patrick Killeen issued a Letter to the Editor in response to the article.

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 President Patrick Killeen was interviewed for the story, which describes the basics of each profession.

Study Linking Vaccine To Autism Bogus, BMJ Reports
2011-01-07
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.

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.

Most Memorable Health Stories Of 2010
2010-12-28
WebMD recently released a list of the "Most Memorable Health Stories of 2010," which ranked the bedbug invasion as number one. The list is accompanied by an article reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD.

IOM Report Calls for More Preventive Serivces for Women
2011-07-20
2011-07-20 The Institute of Medicine this week released a new report recommending eight preventive health services for women. These services will be added to the services that health plans will cover at no cost to patients under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA). At the request of

PAs In IOM Oral Health Report
2011-07-21
Last week, the Institute of Medicine released a new report on oral health, "Improving Access to Oral Health Care for Vulnerable and Underserved Populations." The report assesses the nation's oral health care system, explores its strengths and weaknesses and describes a vision for everyone in the country to have access to quality oral health care across the lifespan.

Haiti's Albert Schweitzer Hospital Needs PAs
2011-07-19
With the advent of the spring rainy season in Haiti, cholera cases are on the surge once again. Meanwhile, the medical director of the Albert Schweitzer Hospital (HAS) says international support is waning.

PAs Encourage Peers To Help Military Families
2011-07-18
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 members and their families the opportunities and support they have earned.

Joint Commission Seeks Comment From PAs In Pediatrics
2011-07-15
The Joint Commission is seeking input from the field on the proposed new Elements of Performance (EP) and revised EPs. Please review the proposed revisions, and then provide comments. The comment period ends August 18, 2011.

Medicare Increases Efforts To Fight Fraud With Predictive Modeling
2011-06-23
Unofficial estimates suggest that the Medicare program loses some $60 billion to fraud each year. A good portion of that loss can be attributed to counterfeit or medically unnecessary claims being submitted by individuals who know that Medicare will first pay claims before trying to determine if the claim is legitimate.

A Pay-For-Performance Dilemma
2011-06-20
Payment based on quality of care is pushing some clinicians to make difficult choices.

What Happens in Vegas...
2011-06-15
...ends up on YouTube. But don't worry, the videos we captured during IMPACT 2011 reflect the very best of the PA profession.

PA Featured In NIH LifeWorks Video
2011-08-01
The Health Museum in Houston has produced a video intended to encourage students to consider joining the PA profession. The video will be featured on the National Institutes of Health's LifeWorks website.

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

AAPA's Career Companion Wins National Award
2011-08-16
AAPA's Career ComPAnion manual was recently recognized by the Association for Women in Communications (AWC) for excellence in internal print communications in the "Brochures, Custom, and Special Publications" category.

Protecting Children From Acetaminophen Dosing Errors
2011-08-11
Acetaminophen is one of the most widely used pain reliever and fever control medication. There are currently 2 different preparations of acetaminophen liquid formulations (80 mg/0.8 mL, 160 mg/5 mL). Additionally, there are many different "store-brand" formulations of "fever-reducer" and "pain-reliever" products that contain acetaminophen.

PA's ChildBirth Center Featured On Public Radio Program
2011-08-10
Sacramento-based NPR station Capital Public Radio interviewed Rachel Stark Farrell, PA-C, LM, CPM, about the natural childbirth center she recently opened in Marysville, Calif. Farrell opened Baby Buddies Birth Center to provide expecting mothers in underserved communities with the opportunity to give birth naturally in a safe, supportive alternative to the typical hospital setting.

PAs Interested In Clinical Management Needed
2011-08-09
Are you a PA who has or will soon have a management, supervisory, or leadership role within your hospital, practice, or health care organization? If so, consider attending a dynamic two-day meeting sponsored by AAPA and Cleveland Clinic October 27-28.

I Double-Dog Dare Ya...
2011-08-09
If the quote in the headline sounds familiar, you too have watched "A Christmas Story" one time too many. Now that I have your attention, I triple-dog dare you to get your seasonal influenza vaccination early.

Medical Resident Hours Cut: What's In It For PAs
2011-08-08
August's PA Professional magazine looks at how the latest reduction in medical residents' hours may affect PA hospitalists. The new work limits for residents went into effect July 2011. Some hospitals have ramped up their efforts to hire and retain PAs in response to the work limits being placed on residents. PA Professional talked to PA directors at some of the largest hospital systems in the country about whether "less will be more" for PA hospitalists.

Alaska Graduates First Class of Physician Assistants
2011-08-17
The University of Alaska Anchorage will graduate its first class of PAs Thursday, Aug. 18. A cohort of 15 UAA physician assistant students-"Class 1"-will celebrate the completion of their studies at the event, which will be attended by family, friends and quite a few dignitaries, including U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-AK.

PA Earns SHM's Award for Excellence
2011-08-16
Ryan Genzink, MS, PA-C, became the first non-physician to receive a Society of Hospital Medicine's Award for Excellence in Hospital Medicine. This is the first year the award was given.

Oregon Governor Signs PA Modernization Act
2011-08-05
Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber, an emergency physician, Thursday held a signing ceremony for Senate Bill 224, the Physician Assistant Practice Modernization Act. Surrounded by leaders and members of the Oregon Society of Physician Assistants (OSPA) and Oregon Medical Association (OMA), he signed the bill that makes major changes to PA regulation in the state.

Bill Introduced to Extend Medicaid EHR Benefit to PA providers in Underserved Communities
2011-08-05
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.

Two PA Programs Planned for Central Ohio
2011-08-18
The Ohio State University and Ohio Dominican University are looking to bring two more physician assistant programs to Ohio, which would bring to eight the number of PA programs in the Buckeye State. More importantly, according to an article in Columbus Business First, the two programs will be in Central Ohio, which is about 80 miles from the nearest PA program - Kettering College of Medical Arts in Dayton.

Nearly Half of Physicians work with PAs, NPs or CNMs
2011-08-25
In 2009, nearly half of office-based physicians - 49.1 percent - were in practices that used PAs, nurse practitioners or certified nurse midwives, reports the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Earlier this week, NCHS released the information on practice characteristics from the 2009 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. 

Campbell University PA Program Welcomes Charter Class
2011-08-23
This week, Campbell University launched its Master of Physician Assistant Practice program. Classes officially began Monday, Aug. 22, with 34 students enrolled in the 28-month program. The charter class is being prepared to help shore up the nation's health care system. 

August Advocacy Challenge: Way to Get Involved!
2011-09-07
2011-09-07 Some 4000 advocacy communications were sent by PAs and PA students across the country during last month’s August Advocacy Challenge  issued by AAPA President Robert Wooten. Thank you to all who participated! Don’t stop being an advocate just because August has ended – keep abreast of the latest ad

American College of Preventive Medicine Launches Adolescent Depression Tool
2011-09-07
2011-09-07 The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) recently launched the Adolescent Depression Time Tool, one of three that focuses on adolescent health. The others include the Adolescent Wellness Exam Time Tool and the Adolescent Obesity Time Tool. Every year about two million adolescents (one in eve

Community Toolkit to End Health Care Disparities
2011-09-07
2011-09-07 The National Partnership for Action (NPA) Toolkit for Community Action was recently posted to Office of Minority Health (OMH) website. The toolkit was produced by OMH to support community efforts in the goal of ending health disparities and promoting health equity. Through this toolkit, community me

Study Finds Lack of Primary Care Oversight in Opioid Management
2011-09-07
2011-09-07 Although treatment guidelines recommend close oversight of patients receiving opioid analgesics for chronic non-cancer pain, a new study revealed that primary care physicians' adoption of opioid risk reduction strategies is limited, even in treatment of patients at increased risk of misuse. Resea

CMS Announces 2011 Electronic Prescribing (ERx) Incentive Program Final Rule
2011-09-07
2011-09-07 CMS made several changes in the newly released final rule for the 2011 Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Program that will encourage more PAs, physicians, and other health care professionals to adopt this technology and give them the added flexibility to help them succeed. In particular, the ch

Is Your Practice Prepared For Version 5010?
2011-09-07
2011-09-07 In preparation for transition ICD-9 to ICD-10 for medical diagnosis and inpatient procedure coding, practices must first implement standards for electronic health care transactions that will accommodate the ICD-10 codes. Unlike the current Version 4010/4010A1, Version 5010 accommodates the ICD-10 codes,

Medicare Contractor Audits Subsequent Hospital Visit Claims
2011-09-07
2011-09-07 Trailblazer, the Medicare contractor for Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Indian Health Service, has posted the results of a recent medical review of the use of subsequent hospital visit codes. The primary focus of this review was to evaluate the documentation for subsequent hospital care

Pennsylvania Society of PAs Meets with State Hospital Association
2011-09-07
2011-09-07 On August 30, Pennsylvania Society of PAs  President Cathy Gillespie, PSPA Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) Liaison Bob Lowry and PSPA Board Administrator Susan DeSantis, PA-C, met with HAP to discuss legislative agenda items of mutual interest: state legislative outlook, s

Massachusetts Holds Hearing on PAs and Fluoroscopy
2011-09-07
2011-09-07 On Tuesday, September 6, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health held a hearing on new fluoroscopy regulations, which will authorize PAs to utilize fluoroscopy. Both AAPA and Massachusetts Association of Physician Assistants   submitted testimony supporting the regulatory changes and sugges

Medicare Steps Up Enforcement of Equal Visitation and Representation Rights in Hospitals
2011-09-09
2011-09-09 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced new guidance to support enforcement of rules that protect hospital patients’ right to choose their own visitors during a hospital stay, including a visitor who is a same-sex domestic partner. These rules, finalized by the Centers for Med

Free Webinar for AAPA Members: “Selecting the Right Hardware for an EHR-based Practice”
2011-09-09
2011-09-09 Choosing between desktops, laptops or tablets are just some of the choices you face when selecting hardware for your EHR-based practice. There are many questions one needs to answer, including the type of EHR software you have selected, the office network and the physical space available. Join us with o

FDA Mandates Warning on LABA-Containing Products
2011-09-12
2011-09-12 Due to an increased risk of asthma-related death, FDA has mandated that all Long-Acting Beta Agonists (LABAs) and LABA-containing products carry a boxed warning. Dey Pharma, L.P. issued a “Dear health care professional” letter   informing health care providers of important safety-related changes to th

PA Week Blog Party to Bring Profession Together Online
2011-09-12
2011-09-12 PA Week Blog Party to Bring Profession Together Online   This year, the first PA Week Blog Party will feature PAs from around the country who will write about the profession and the importance of preventive medicine to help patients lead healthier lives. PAs will join in the party on blogs, Face

PA Week Focusing on Prevention
2011-09-13
2011-09-13 While the main goal of PA Week is to celebrate the profession, there is a special emphasis this year on the unique potential PAs have—no matter their specialty or the environment in which they practice—to educate their patients about ways to prevent chronic illness. Join the nationwide effort to advance

New Widget Available from CMS to Help with Planning for ICD-10
2011-09-13
2011-09-13 Do you need help with the transition to Version 5010 or planning for ICD-10? The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has created an interactive timeline widget that is now available on the CMS ICD-10 website. This user-friendly tool can help you and your organization: • Understand w

New Resource for Health IT Launched This Week
2011-09-13
2011-09-13 The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology’s new site, HealthIT.gov , is a useful resource in staying up to date on health IT topics like: • electronic health record (EHR) implementation • meaningful use • health IT education For more inform

UCSF Publishes issue Brief on PAs in Community Clinics
2011-09-14
2011-09-14 The   University of California at San Francisco’s Center for the Health Professions    has published an issue brief from The Health Workforce Tracking Collaborative on " Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants Providing Primary Care in California Community Clinics." The brief presents a quali

Montana Academy Presents at Medical Society Roundtable
2011-09-14
2011-09-14 Kally Wilson, PA-C, president of the   Montana Academy of Physician Assistants , represented MAPA at a panel on “The Future of the Health Care Workforce” at the annual meeting of the   Montana Medical Association . Representatives from MMA, MAPA, the Montana Hospital Association, a state senator and

California State Legislature Passes Bill to Close Loophole
2011-09-14
2011-09-14 Legislation that repeals a provision that authorized the California Physician Assistant Committee    to issue a PA license to applicants who had “completed a course of study in a medical school” has been passed by the legislature and is on its way to Governor Brown’s desk for his signature. The legisl

Testimony at Louisiana Board Hearing Available on You Tube
2011-09-14
2011-09-14 As previously reported, the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners held a public hearing on August 29 on a proposed rule change that would, if adopted as drafted, require a physician to be in specific proximity to a PA when the PA performed listed procedures. The   Louisiana Academy of Physician As

First PA Appointed to North Dakota State Board of Medical Examiners
2011-09-14
2011-09-14 Kate Larson, PA-C, has been appointed by North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple to the North Dakota State Board of Medical Examiners. Senate Bill 2154 , which was signed into law this spring, called for the governor to appoint a PA to the state board of medical examiners. North Dakota was the last stat

AAPA and DAPA Meet with Delaware Officials
2011-09-14
2011-09-14 AAPA state advocacy and outreach staff, Delaware Academy of Physician Assistants  (DAPA) legislative leaders and DAPA’s lobbyists met with state policymakers Sept. 13 in Wilmington and Dover to discuss how the state can modernize its PA practice laws. In addition, Ann Davis, AAPA senior director of s

“Super Committee” Fights Deficit
2011-09-14
This week, the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, or “Super Committee,” met for the second time and held its first hearing to discuss the history of the nation’s debt and threats to the economy. The committee, established by the Budget Control Act of 2011, is comprised of six Republicans and six Democrats representing both the House and the Senate and is charged with reducing the federal deficit by $1.5 trillion over the next ten years.

Suggested Resources for PAs Affected by Impairment Issues
2011-09-14
2011-09-14 Impairment affects many clinicians, including PAs. Here are some suggested resources to help PAs struggling with impairment as well as advice for PAs working with an impaired supervising physician. Most PA state chapters have established a Wellness/Impairment contact and identify them as part of c

President’s Deficit Reduction Plan Targets Medicare & Medicaid Cuts
2011-09-22
2011-09-22 Living Within Our Means and Investing in the Future:  The President’s Plan for Economic Growth and Deficit Reduction was unveiled this week by the White House, projecting net savings of over $3 trillion over the next 10 years. The plan includes $248 billion in savings from Medicare and $ 72 billion

MedPAC Recommends SGR Repeal that Favors Primary Care
2011-09-22
2011-09-22 The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) unveiled its draft plan  at a September 15 meeting to repeal the current system of Medicare reimbursement for Part B health professionals.  If enacted, this plan would avert the 30 percent projected cut in Medicare reimbursement scheduled to take pla

A Five Year Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention National Initiative
2011-09-22
On Tuesday, September 13, 2011 HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, CDC Director Thomas Frieden and CMS Administrator Donald Berwick, were part of the kickoff of the Million Hearts Campaign, a new effort to fight heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S., costing $444 billion annually in lost productivity and medical spending. The goal of the initiative is to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes in the next five years.

HIMSS Offering Complimentary Meaningful Use Presentations
2011-09-22
2011-09-22 The Healthcare and Information Management Society (HIMSS)  has extended an invitation to AAPA members to a complimentary dinner and presentation “Beyond Compliance: Understanding the Implications of Meaningful Use for Ambulatory Practice Eligible Professionals”, to explore how meaningful use and healt

STARs Set Discussion Topics for Future Conference Call Series
2011-09-22
2011-09-22 State & Specialty Advocates for Reimbursement (STARs), (who are dozens of PAs across the country serving as the eyes and ears for the profession by detecting PA payment and coverage policy changes as they occur), recently completed a survey expressing their topics preferences for a series of upcomi

Key California Legislation Awaits Governor’s Signature
2011-09-22
2011-09-22   SB 233 has been passed by the California State Assembly and awaits the signature of Governor Brown. The legislation makes a change to the law governing hospital emergency departments, clarifying the ability of PAs to provide “consults.” The legislation was supported by the California Academy of Phys

Michigan Governor Releases Health and Wellness Plan
2011-09-22
2011-09-22  On September 14, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder released his blueprint to reform health care in Michigan. This bold proposal includes revising the Public Health Code and its accompanying regulations, which have not been formally overhauled for 30 years. A noteworthy quote from the text of the full plan

Continuing Resolution to Fund Federal Government to Mid-November
2011-09-22
2011-09-22 In an effort to keep the government running during high-level debates on the current state of our economy, House Republicans introduced legislation that would fund the federal government through November 18. The 2011 fiscal year for the U.S. federal government ends on September 30 and the necessary leg

AAPA Leader Appointed to Game-changing State Group
2011-09-26
AAPA Board Member David Jackson, MPAS, RPA-C, second vice speaker of the Academy's House of Delegates, was recently named a member of the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) Workforce Flexibility and Change of Scope of Practice Work Group in New York.

AAPA Names New CEO
2011-09-26
2011-09-26     The AAPA Board of Directors has selected Jennifer L. “Jenna” Dorn as the Academy’s Chief Executive Officer. She joins AAPA on October 31. With nearly 30 years of management experience, Dorn has led multi-billion dollar federal agencies, as well as start-ups and well-established nonprofit org

Join PAs on the Plaza
2011-09-27
2011-09-27 AAPA, PAs and PA students are planning to kick off your PA Week 2011 celebrations on Thursday, Oct. 6, on NBC’s “Today” show in New York City! Grab your white coats, scrubs and join us at Rockefeller Plaza to show the world and Today show anchors how PAs help patients lead healthier lives every day.

Contact Congress on Home Health
2011-09-28
We’re building momentum on the home health issue! All PAs are urged to contact Congress today and let them know you support allowing PAs to order home health for Medicare.

Medicaid Audits to Begin January 2012
2011-09-28
The Department of Health and Human Services seeks to curb waste, fraud and abuse in State Medicaid programs.

Fruits and Veggies—Important for Your Health!
2011-09-28
Only 40 percent of Americans eat enough fruits and vegetables, a statistic the Healthy People 2020 program hopes to change.

AAPA Partners with National Eye Institute to Promote Eye Health
2011-09-28
AAPA has partnered with The National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) of the National Eye Institute (NEI) to promote eye health, educate about eye diseases and conditions, and highlight the importance of comprehensive dilated eye examinations in adults.

Webinar: Health in the United States—A Review of the First Decade of the 21st Century
2011-09-28
On Thursday, October 6 health officials will present key findings from the Healthy People 2010 Final Review, an end-of-decade assessment of progress in achieving the Healthy People 2010 objectives and goals.

California Bill Clarifying PA Role in Consults Signed into Law
2011-09-28
Governor Jerry Brown signs legislation that clarifies that PAs may provide consults in the emergency department when practicing as members of specialist physician-PA teams.

PAs & APNs Join Forces in Congressional Briefing on Home Health Care
2011-09-28
AAPA joined the American Nurses Association, American College of Nurse Practitioners, and the National Association for Home Care and Hospice this week to promote the need for Congress to enact legislation to allow PAs and APNs to order home health care for Medicare beneficiaries.

Senate Appropriations Committee Recognizes the Need to Train New PAs
2011-09-28
Last week the Senate Appropriations Committee approved funding for health care programs including Title VII grants to train and recruit health care professionals to serve as primary care providers in underserved areas.

HHS Awards $103 Million in Grants to Fight Chronic Disease
2011-09-28
Community Transformation Grants will help communities nationwide address the causes of chronic disease such as smoking, poor diet, inactivity, and prevention and control of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Join the PA Week Blog Party
2011-10-06
     Take a few minutes to write about your own experiences related to prevention and helping patients lead healthier lives during PA Week.   Make sure to share a link to your prevention-themed blog post with us on October 7 by posting a link to your post on Twitter and including the #PAWeek hashtag or posting a comment on AAPA's Facebook fan page wall with your link included. You can also send your link to pdunne@aapa.org and we'll post it in our blog round-up.  

How to Celebrate PA Week
2011-10-04
National PA Week is right around the corner (Oct. 6-12), and it’s easier than you think to participate.

USPSTF Opportunity for Public Comment - Screening for Coronary Heart Disease With Electrocardiography
2011-10-04
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is inviting public comment on its draft recommendation statement on Screening for Coronary Heart Disease with Electrocardiography.

AAPA Advocates for Nebraska Hospital-Employed PAs
2011-10-04
AAPA submitted written comments urging Nebraska DHHS to adopt a policy of allowing hospital-employed PAs to bill separately for their professional services.

Deadline to Request eRx Program Hardship Exemption is Nov. 1
2011-10-04
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is reminding eligible professionals, including physician assistants, that the deadline to request a hardship exemption for the 2012 Medicare Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Program adjustment is November 1, 2011.

Webinar: “Becoming COPD Prepared--A Four STEP Approach” to include Gabriel Ortiz, PA-C
2011-10-05
A webinar entitled “Becoming COPD Prepared” will be offered by the COPD Alliance on Tuesday October 18, 2011.

PA Week is the Perfect Time for Advocacy
2011-10-05
Many members of Congress will be at home in the district for the long Columbus Day weekend — which just happens to be right in the middle of PA Week!

AM News Highlights Growth in PA Profession
2011-10-05
The American Medical Association’s AM News highlights the dramatic growth of the PA profession in all areas of medicine, citing the results of the 2010 AAPA Annual Census.

Special PA Week Message from President Robert Wooten
2011-10-06
AAPA President Robert Wooten invites PAs everywhere to show pride in the profession and join in the celebration of PA Week.

Blog Party Entry: PAs are Prevention Ambassadors
2011-10-07
Millions of Americans are living with the often debilitating effects of chronic illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As a physician assistant who practices emergency medicine, I see far too many examples of this crisis every day. Thirty percent of patients I see actually belong in the emergency room, and their illnesses are often entirely avoidable. We have undervalued the critical role of prevention as we seek to make top quality care available in all communities. But as PAs, we are in the perfect position to lead a national movement that proactively addresses our communities' most critical health care needs.

Blog Party Entry: Run a Preventive Defense
2011-10-07
The relationship between genetics and health is profound and provides physician assistants and other health care professionals with insights into how best to provide preventive care to patients. I use predictive analysis to assess patients’ risk factors and family histories, while giving them the tools they need to develop healthy lifestyle habits or avoid habits that could trigger their genetic predisposition to a chronic disease.

New Link to Capitol Connection 2012 Registration Page
2011-10-10
Advocate for your Profession by attending Capitol Connection in 2012! AAPA is pleased to offer Capitol Connection 2012: PAs on Capitol Hill, March 25-27, 2012, in Alexandria, Va.

Yale PA Program's PA Week 5K Race Benefits Free Clinic
2011-10-11
When Yale PA Program students counsel patients on a healthier lifestyle, they don’t just hand out pamphlets or post fliers. They lace up their running shoes and pound the pavement, raising more than $2,000 for a local free clinic during National PA Week 2011. Read more from guest blogger Yale PA student Harrison Reed.

Blog Party Entry: Preventive Care Should Not Be a Luxury
2011-10-11
While studying to be a physician assistant, I learned the value of prevention. I realized that a 15-minute office visit is not nearly enough time for providers and patients to iron out a plan for good health but rather, a lasting relationship with a PA can make a tremendous difference in a patient’s life.

Contact Congress about EHR—Cosponsors Needed!
2011-10-11
All PAs are urged to contact their Representatives to ask for their support of HR 2729, the Health IT Modernization for Underserved Communities Act of 2011.

Attention PAs Caring for Stroke Patients!
2011-10-11
AAPA and The Joint Commission need your feedback on new standards.

OIG Looking into Incident-To Services
2011-10-11
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has published its Work Plan for FY 2012, which includes a focus on Incident-to Services.

Iowa PAs Featured in News Articles
2011-10-12
Eastern Iowa news sources The Gazette and television station KCRG recently published news items highlighting the role of physician assistants in patient care in the state.

States Initiate Revisions to Mental Health Regulations
2011-10-12
Minnesota and Ohio have made plans to revise portions of their community mental health regulations to help implement certain aspects of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010.

State Senator John Astle Speaks at the UMES as Part of National PA Week
2011-10-12
The Princess Anne, Maryland community was invited to hear about real wartime experiences that sparked the creation of the physician assistant profession as part of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s National Physician Assistants’ week kickoff event.

Connecticut State Medical Society Endorses AMA’s Physician-PA Guidelines
2011-10-12
The Connecticut State Medical Society House of Delegates passed a resolution last week endorsing AMA's Guidelines for Physician-Physician Assistant Practice.

DC Board of Medicine Releases Physician-PA Workforce Study
2011-10-12
The District of Columbia Board of Medicine recently released “Where We Stand: An Analysis of the Physician and PA Workforce in the District of Columbia.”

Administrators in Medicine Holds Annual Eastern & Southern Regional Meeting
2011-10-12
Academy staff recently attended the Administrators in Medicine’s Annual Eastern and Southern Regional meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.

Cover Story Highlights Benefit of PAs
2011-10-12
Kaye Kvam, MPAS, PA-C, and Steve Tanaka, M.D., are featured in the cover story of the Seattle edition of MD News.

Rural Health Bill, Containing Key PA Provisions, Introduced by Bipartisan Group of Senators
2011-10-12
S. 1680, the Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity (R-HoPE) Act of 2011, was introduced this week by Senators Kent Conrad (D-ND), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and John Barrasso (R-WY).

Arkansas Governor Issues Proclamation for PA Week
2011-10-12
Governor Mike Beebe recognizes the impact of PAs as critical members of the healthcare team.

Round up of PA Week Coverage
2011-10-12
2011-10-12 Many PAs and PA programs were featured in local news outlets and blogs during PA Week this year. Below is a sample of that coverage, but by no means a comprehensive list.  If you are aware of additional coverage of the profession during PA Week, be sure to post the link in the comment section below,

Engaging in a Meaningful Discussion on a PA Name Change
2011-10-13
Over the years, the issue surfaces of whether the PA profession’s name should remain “physician assistant” or be changed. The name most prominently put forward as an alternative is “physician associate.” That issue is, once again, the subject of discussion among a number of PAs. The Academy’s Board is sensitive to the desire of those promoting action to move the issue forward. AAPA acknowledges the arguments on both sides and recognizes the legitimacy of the issue.

South Carolina State Plan to Cover PAs for First Assisting at Surgery
2011-10-17
Effective January 1, 2012 The South Carolina State Health Insurance Plan, administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, will cover PAs for first assisting at surgery.

AAPA Resources for PAs Negotiating Salary and Benefits
2011-10-18
The new AAPA Salary Report has arrived, a potent tool for PAs interested in negotiating or renegotiating their compensation packages.

PAs included in HRSA Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Recommendations
2011-10-19
The HRSA Negotiated Rulemaking Committee proposes to count PAs (and APNs) for the first time in the provider-to-population ratio at .75 full-time equivalent to a physician.

Rep. Karen Bass Honors PAs Before U.S. House of Representatives
2011-10-19
U.S. Representative Karen Bass (D-CA) acknowledged National PA Week in remarks last week on the House floor.

Michigan Academy Welcomes State Senator to Fall CME
2011-10-19
The Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants capped off its annual Fall CME meeting with a keynote speech from State Senator Jim Marleau.

Michigan Academy, PA Programs Meet to Discuss PA Workforce
2011-10-19
Last week Michigan PA leaders met with representatives from the Michigan Health Council to discuss how the state is addressing future workforce shortages in underserved areas.

FDA Initiative on Preventing Surgical Fires
2011-10-19
The FDA and its partners have launched an initiative and website to increase awareness of factors that contribute to surgical fires.

NEW! Online Community of PAs Involved with Patient-Centered Medical Home!
2011-10-25
This new online group is open to AAPA members with interest or expertise in patient-centered medical home practices.

South Carolina PA Tapped for Advisory Committee
2011-10-25
PA Timothy Stuart has been invited by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a seat on the state’s Medical Care Advisory Committee.

Bill to Modernize PA Practice Act Introduced in Pennsylvania
2011-10-26
State Representative Curt Sonney has introduced legislation that would allow PAs to sign and approve physicals and would eliminate mandatory physician chart countersignatures.

Final ACO Rules Released
2011-10-26
DHHS has released the final rules setting forth the principles and requirements for healthcare professionals, hospitals, and other healthcare organizations to participate in ACOs.

AAPA Envisions Future of Primary Care with National Thought Leaders
2011-10-26
PA Jacqueline Barnett joined a group of national thought leaders convened by the Institute for Alternative Futures to explore possible outcomes for primary care in the U.S. by 2025

New Patient-Centered Data on Hypertension Medications Published
2011-10-26
The Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research and the BMJ recently released results of patient-centered research on hypertension medications, including treatment of hypertension in pregnant women.

Advocacy Commission and Workgroup Members Hit the Hill
2011-10-31
Fifteen members of AAPA’s Advocacy and Government Affairs Commission and its three workgroups head to Capitol Hill for meetings with legislators and staff.

Interview in Physicians Money Digest with AAPA President Robert Wooten Highlights the Benefits of Employing PAs
2011-10-31
Physician’s Money Digest spoke with AAPA President Robert Wooten in an article entitled “Maximizing Physician Assistants in a Practice.”

Medicare Authorizes PAs to Screen Patients for Alcohol Misuse and Depression
2011-11-01
New coverage policies include PAs as providers of new preventive services for Medicare beneficiaries.

CMS Offers National Provider Call on Transition to ICD-10
2011-11-01
Without the proper ICD-10 code your claims won’t be paid.

Improving Physician-PA Team Practice in the USVI
2011-11-02
Funds from a DHHS award will be used to support expansion of the Barry University program into the United States Virgin Islands to help meet the healthcare and educational needs of the territory.

Physician Assistants Featured in St. Louis Beacon Article
2011-11-02
News article highlights PA practice and education in the Show-Me State, calls on lawmakers to improve laws to improve physician-PA team practice.

PAs Now Allowed to Certify Patients' Need for PPACA Pre-Existing Insurance Plan
2011-11-02
Enrolling in the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan is easier and more affordable; Physician Assistants can provide letter documenting medical condition of applicants.

HHS Seeks Comments on Health Plan Provisions
2011-11-02
HHS wants Your help to develop Essential Health Care Benefit Plan.

Erskine Bowles Points to PAs During Deficit Reduction Hearing
2011-11-03
Former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles points to increased use of primary care and PAs as a needed structural reform during deficit reduction hearing.

CMS Issues 2012 Medicare Fee Schedule Final Rule
2011-11-03
The Medicare fee schedule rule contains provisions impacting Medicare payment and coverage policies for PAs, physicians, and other health care professionals for calendar year 2012.

Deadline for E-Prescribing Hardship Request Extended to November 8, 2011
2011-11-03
As a result of technical difficulties, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will allow access to the Communications Support Page until November 8, 2011.

CDC Issues Report on Opioids
2011-11-04
Enough opioid pain relievers were prescribed in 2010 to medicate every American adult around-the-clock for a month. See the CDC’s recently released report on this epidemic.

Congressional Briefing Emphasizes the Need for More Minorities in Health Care
2011-11-07
Last week the Hispanic Serving Health Professions Schools (HSHPS) held a briefing on Capitol Hill educating Congress and the public on the need to recruit and train more Hispanics in the field of medicine.

Improving Care for LGBT Patients
2011-11-08
Joint Commission publishes FREE Field Guide for hospitals.

PAs in NC May Now Complete Death Certificates
2011-11-08
New amendments to state law could help dminish delays in getting death certificates to a decedent's family.

AAPA and CDC Team Up to Improve Antibiotic Use
2011-11-08
November 15 marks the start of Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, a national campaign designed to educate the public, healthcare providers, hospital administrators, and policy makers about the importance of using antibiotics wisely.

AHRQ Publishes Primary Care Workforce Documents
2011-11-08
Study examines the proportion of PAs and NPs working in primary care.

HIPAA Audit Program Begins This Month
2011-11-09
The Office of Civil Rights (OCR)  this month is launching a HIPAA audit program to ensure compliance with the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules and Breach Notification Standards. The audits assessing privacy are required by the HITECH Act.

Nov. 15 Conference Call on Influenza Vaccination for Healthcare Personnel
2011-11-09
PAs are encouraged to join an upcoming call offered by CDC on recent coverage, recommendations, reporting, and resources for clinician education.

AAPA Represented at National Scope of Practice Forum
2011-11-09
Panelists discussed barriers preventing medical professionals, such as PAs, from practicing to the fullest extent of their training.

State Chapters Pave the Road to Excellence in PA Practice
2011-11-10
AAPA constituent organizations strive to improve the laws governing physician-PA teams in 2012 legislative sessions.

Michigan Governor Signs Senate Bill 384
2011-11-10
The new law is the result of a fourteen-month collaborative advocacy initiative spearheaded by the Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants.

Hospitals Increasingly Turning To PAs
2011-11-10
The State (SC) /Akron Beacon Journal reports that hospitals across the U.S. are turning to PAs to meet healthcare needs.

Do you need to revalidate? CMS has made a list.
2011-11-10
CMS has posted a listing of providers who have been sent a request to revalidate their Medicare enrollment information.

Medicare Expands Coverage of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
2011-11-14
CMS will cover one annual visit of Medicare beneficiaries for prevention of cardiovascular disease.

White House Announces $1 Billion Health Care Grants Opportunity
2011-11-14
The Health Care Innovation Challenge will award grants to applicants who will implement compelling new ideas to deliver better health, improved care and lower costs.

Quit Smoking Tools
2011-11-15
PAs can offer their patients who smoke access to free resources during the annual Great American Smokeout.

Getting Up to Speed on COPD
2011-11-15
November is COPD Awareness Month. Are you ready? Read more about COPD education for health professional. AAPA is a member of the COPD Alliance.

Six Questions PAs Should Ask Patients Who Are Veterans
2011-11-17
The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program gives a great reference of six questions a health care professional should ask when assessing a patient who may be a veteran.

State Sen. Lowe Finney visits Bethel University PA Program
2011-11-16
Tennessee state Senator Finney discusses issues related to physician assistant training and their role in the healthcare delivery system.

Are You Texting Orders to the Hospital?
2011-11-17
The Joint Commission weighs in.

Medicare Information for PAs
2011-11-18
New booklet published

Texas Medicaid Requires Supervising Physician Information
2011-11-18
Effective December 19, PAs who seek enrollment must provide licensing information on their supervising physicians.

Pennsylvania Payer Announces Change in PA Reimbursement Policy
2011-11-21
PAs must enroll by December 15.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Changes Billing and Reimbursement Policies
2011-11-21
AAPA challenges BCBS-IL on policy changes, citing impact on access to care.

Everything You Need to Know About Aspartame
2011-11-18
2011-11-18 AAPA and the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation have teamed up to release a new science-based patient brochure on the low-calorie sweetener aspartame. The brochure, Everything You Need to Know About Aspartame , explains the latest science on the sweetener and weight management, as

Data Shows Increasing Number of Patients Seen Exclusively by PAs
2011-11-22
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized the growing importance of PAs to hospital outpatient departments in a recent data brief.

Predictions: Federal Funding for Healthcare Programs in 2012
2011-11-23
This week the Super Committee announced it was unable to reach an agreement on how and where to find $1.2 trillion in spending cuts over the next ten years.

CMS Retracts Requirement for Signature on Lab Requisition
2011-11-28
Documentation of medical necessity/signature on orders unchanged.

Pro-PA Bill Needs Your Support Now!
2011-11-29
House Approves Bill to Improve Federal Workers’ Access to Care Provided by PAs. But before it can become a law, the Senate must approve it. PAs are asked to contact their senators as soon as possible in support of the Federal Workers' Compensation Modernization and Improvement Act.

Medicare Covers Screening and Counseling for Obesity
2011-11-30
Decision adds a new preventive service for Medicare beneficiaries.

World AIDS Day: A Reminder to Keep Vigilant
2011-12-01
Thirty years ago, the effects of HIV first became public. On World AIDS Day, it seems an opportune time to consider just where we are with the disease. While the impact of HIV and AIDS is far more severe in many nations around the world, we need to remember it is far from solved within our own borders.

New! Guide for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program
2011-12-02
Simple overview helps eligible professionals understand the basics.

PAs Needed to Speak to Congress: Come to Capitol Connection 2012
2011-12-05
Last week’s victory in the House of Representatives on access to care for federal employees was a direct result of the advocacy work PAs had done.

PA's Inspiring Story Featured in Real Simple Magazine
2011-12-05
At age 31, PA Alyssa Phillips thought she had it all. She had a great job, had recently run the fastest half-marathon of her life and was newly married. She was planing for a family of her own when she was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive type of cervical cancer.   

CMS Seeks Input on Quality Measures
2011-12-05
The Government wants your input on healthcare quality.

Louisiana to Reimburse Rural Health Providers for Fluoride Application
2011-12-06
Effective December 1, PAs in Louisiana Rural Health Clinics may be reimbursed under the state Medicaid program for the application of fluoride varnish.

Vermont PA Describes Role of the Profession in Implementing EHRs
2011-12-08
PA Peter Igneri describes why PAs are ideally equipped to help practices integrate EHR systems into their hospital or practice.

Tennessee PA Jim Montag Donates Defibrillators and More to Jonesborough Safety Officers
2011-12-06
Thanks to Jim’s generosity, his local police and fire department may use these life-saving devices while serving the community.

Kansas Secretary of State Publishes Proposed Rule Change
2011-12-07
Once the regulatory process is completed, new rules will require physician signature on all PA charts for the first three months that the PA is in a new practice setting, but repeals the chart co-signature requirement past the 3-month mark.

Maryland “Health Care 2020” Plan to Increase Primary Care Workforce
2011-12-07
An independent advisory board under the administration of the Maryland Department of Labor released detailed plans to increase Maryland’s primary care workforce by as much as 25 percent before 2020.

PAs Encouraged to Report Adverse Pradaxa Events
2011-12-09
A recently released FDA MedWatch addressed post-market reports of serious bleeding events in patients taking Pradaxa.

New CDC Regimen Will Make Treatment of Latent TB Easier
2011-12-12
Clinical trial finds 12 doses of once-weekly anti-TB drug regimen as effective as previous nine-month daily therapy.

E-Prescribing Penalties Begin in January 2012
2011-12-13
What it means for PAs who did not report.

Advocacy Alert: Improve Federal Workers’ Access to Care Provided by PAs
2011-12-13
Contact the Senate today.

NIH Panel Advocates for Active Surveillance in Patients with Low-Grade Prostate Cancer
2011-12-14
Men with localized, low-risk prostate cancer should be closely monitored until disease progression warrants treatment, concludes an independent panel of the National Institutes of Health.

Many Young Children Overdosing on Medicines at Home
2011-12-16
New educational program reminds parents to keep medication “Up and Away and Out of Sight.”

Palmetto Agrees PAs Can Treat New Patients
2011-12-14
Palmetto Acknowledges PAs Ability to Treat New Patients.

PA Going On Holiday Medical Mission to Thailand
2011-12-14
PA Brad Robertson, David Sperow, DMD, are among the medical volunteers who will travel 8,800 miles to Thailand to provide healthcare to children displaced or left orphaned by conflict in Karen State, Burma.

CDC Report from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey
2011-12-15
Report highlights alarming data and need for screening by health providers.

The Joint Commission Warns Against Health Worker Fatigue
2011-12-15
Press release notes well-documented link between healthcare worker fatigue and adverse events.

Nation's First Surgical Residency Program for PAs Turns 40!
2011-12-15
The nation’s first surgical residency program for PAs – the Montefiore Surgical Physician Assistant Program – recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Montefiore Medical Center was the first institution in the nation to conceptualize and implement a residency program for PAs in surgery.

House Approves FY 2012 Federal Spending Bill
2011-12-16
Today, the House passed the 2012 Appropriations bill, and the Senate is expected to pass it by the weekend. What does the bill mean to PAs?

Mississippi Academy Makes 2012 Advocacy Plans
2011-12-19
Mississippi Academy takes steps to upgrade its advocacy program.

ADVOCACY ALERT: Has Your Senator Heard from You on Hospice Lately?
2011-12-19
Take Action! Contact your Senators and remind them to cosponsor S. 891, the Medicare Hospice Care Access Act.

HHS Issues Guidelines for Essential Benefits Package
2011-12-20
PAs, state chapters, and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to offer their comments on this important aspect of healthcare reform.

Public Comment on Draft Research Plan: Screening for Peripheral Artery Disease
2011-12-21
Opportunity for PAs to provide feedback on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force draft plan.

Louisiana Medical Board Responds to Organized Opposition to Restrictive Rules
2011-12-21
AAPA and the Louisiana Academy of PAs urge all Louisiana physician-PA teams to send letters of support for rule changes.

Save the Date: Virginia Academy of PAs Lobby Day is January 17!
2011-12-21
Please RSVP by January 3 to participate in this most important and exciting advocacy event.

Medicare Payments in Limbo
2011-12-21
Congressional impasse endangers Medicare fix and causes CMS to place temporary hold on provider payments

Congress Completes Action on Federal Spending for 2012
2011-12-21
President expected to sign funding bill into law by the end of the week.

Examples for Advocacy Efforts Needed!
2011-12-22
Do you have a story to tell?

PA Foundation Establishs New Award for Preventive Medicine
2011-12-22
The PA Foundation recently established the AAPA Prevention Ambassador Award with the help of a grant from Pharmavite.

Medicare Provider Payments Avoid Cuts for Another Two Months
2011-12-23
Speaker of the House brokers deal to prevent significant payment cuts to Medicare providers.

Medicare Pay Cut Averted, but Slow Congressional Action to Delay Payments
2011-12-28
Congressional action averts drastic Medicare cuts, but causes payment delays

2011 Top PA Career & Practice Management Tips
2011-12-29
Read this past year’s top tips and articles from AAPA’s professional advocacy team including advocacy resources, advice and practical strategies for your PA career success.  

Change in Joint Commission Medical Staff Standards Affects PAs
2011-02-10
2011-02-10 Change in Joint Commission Medical Staff Standards Affects PAs New Joint Commission standards will change the credentialing and privileging process for PAs and APRNs, according to the new Joint Commission Standards BoosterPakTM, released in January. Previous Joint Commission standards allowed PAs an

2011 Marked Start of New Era in PA State Advocacy
2011-12-29
Lawmakers and policy analysts in states across the country sought to improve access, promote cost-effectiveness and assure quality in their healthcare workforce in 2011. PA state societies and AAPA’s state advocacy staff teamed up to promote the PA profession as a key solution to state health concerns, with momentous results.

Amid Gridlock in 2011, Access to Federal Workers Comp Cases Advanced
2011-12-29
In a year characterized by polarizing congressional gridlock, the U.S. House of Representatives passed by unanimous consent HR 2465, a bill allowing PAs to diagnose and treat federal workers with traumatic injury, as sponsored by Reps. John Kline (R-MN), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA).

Academy Achieves Series of Reimbursement Victories in 2011
2011-12-29
Your AAPA reimbursement advocacy team and leaders were successful this past year in advancing a series of payments policies on behalf of the PA profession.

Medicaid Enrollment for PAs in Connecticut
2011-12-30
The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) will enroll PAs as providers in the CT Medical Assistance (Medicaid) Program beginning Jan. 1, 2012, after many years of hard work by the Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants.

National Diabetes Prevention Program Launched
2012-01-04
PAs can include information from this new resource in their prevention initiatives.

PAragon Awards Deadline Jan. 15 - Nominate a PA Now!
2012-01-04
2012-01-04 Do you know an exceptional PA who should be recognized for his or her work with patients? Or a PA who should be honored for advancing the PA profession or team medicine? The AAPA Awards Work Group is accepting applications for the PAragon Awards, which recognizes Academy members who have gone above and

Medicare’s 2012 Surgical Assist Exclusion List Now Available
2012-01-04
Payment exclusion applies to all PA, MD and NP first assistants.

10 Public Health Winnable Battles
2012-01-05
CDC targets public health priorities with a large-scale impact.

New Year’s Resolution – Quit Smoking!
2012-01-09
Online guide can be used by both providers and patients.

Women’s Health Update
2012-01-10
Helping adolescent females understand their risks for STDs

PAs Wanted to Take Workplace Diversity Survey
2012-01-09
PAs needed to take online survey to help researchers better understand how, and if, race impacts you as a PA in the workplace.

Helping Patients Be Smart and Be Safe with Medications
2012-01-10
Guide gives PAs a new resource to help patients avoid potential drug interactions and side effects.

Department of Health and Human Services Health Video Challenge
2012-01-10
Award money for videos showing how health technology improves health

Kentucky Academy of PAs Summit is Jan. 23 and 24
2012-01-11
Do you want to help make positive change to improve the PA practice environment in the Bluegrass State? Need additional CME credit? If so, there’s still time to register!

PAs Included in HRSA Committee Recommendations
2012-01-11
For the first time, HRSA is recommending that PAs be counted in the designation process for medically underserved areas as .75 full-time equivalents to a physician.

PA Student Writers Wanted
2012-01-11
PA Professional, AAPA's membership magazine, is looking for PA students to write articles for the publication's student section.

Collaborate for Healthy Weight
2012-01-13
Recruiting healthcare teams with innovative ideas to reverse the obesity epidemic in America.

Deadline Near for DC Loan Repayment Program
2012-01-18
Physician assistants are eligible and are encouraged to apply for loan repayment in this cycle. Preference is given to primary care providers.

AAPA Comments on Amended Rules in Louisiana
2012-01-18
Physician-PA teams in the Pelican State are encouraged to submit letters to the board supporting December revision to proposed rules.

Still Time to Register for Kentucky Academy’s Summit
2012-01-18
Participants will lobby for updates on key aspects of physician-PA team practice, including controlled medication prescriptive authority.

Save the Date: Tennessee Academy of PAs Day on the Hill
2012-01-18
Please join TAPA leadership and your fellow PA colleagues to make your voices heard at Legislative Plaza on Wednesday, March 21, 2012.

OIG Launches Series of Fraud Prevention Training Videos
2012-01-18
Use these resources to protect your practice from fraud allegations.

National Center for HIV/AIDs Releases Atlas on Surveillance Data
2012-01-17
2012-01-17 by Marie-Michèle Léger , MPH, PA-C, AAPA senior director of clinical and health affairs The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) has released its Atlas . The new interactive platform allows users to cr

OIG Launches Series of Fraud Prevention Training Videos(2)
2012-01-17
2012-01-17 by Michael Powe , AAPA vice president of reimbursement and professional advocacy The Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Health and Human Services has released the seventh of 11 videos and audio podcasts as part of the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT

Binge Drinking: a Dangerous and Costly Public Health Problem
2012-01-19
New report highlights that binge drinking is a bigger problem than previously thought

CMS to Host National Call on 5010 Transaction Standards January 25
2012-01-19
CMS Offers Guidance on Electronic Claim Reporting Standards — pre-registration is required.

Teens and Smoking
2012-01-20
Text messaging to get teens to stop smoking

HHS: No Co-Pays for Preventive Services for Women
2012-01-20
HHS announced that most healthcare plans will be required to cover birth control without charging co-pays or deductibles starting Aug. 1, 2012.

It's Still Not Too Late to Recommend the Influenza Vaccine
2012-01-23
An increase in flu-related illness is expected; both providers and patients need protection.

New Student Loan Repayment Opportunity with the IHS
2012-01-24
PAs are encouraged to apply for this loan repayment program with the Indian Health Service, which will pay up to $20,000 towards school loans for a minimum of two years at an IHS clinic.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in U.S. Military Women
2012-01-24
With more women being exposed to combat, more women suffer from PTSD.

Successful Hearings on PA Rule Changes in Kansas, Louisiana
2012-01-25
AAPA works with state chapters to affect positive changes in regulations governing PA practice.

PA Leader to Tweet About Health Disparities
2012-01-25
2012-01-25 PA Jim Anderson, aka (@EquityPA) on Twitter, will be a guest on the "Health Communication, Health Literacy and Social Sciences Tweetchat" Thursday, Jan. 26. Search hashtag #hchlitss on Twitter to view the chat and weigh in. Tune in at 8pm Eastern Time to see Jim's answers to questions about health

Hospice Bill Introduced in the House
2012-01-26
Contact Representatives TODAY!

February is Heart Disease Awareness Month
2012-01-30
Friday, February 3, 2012 is National Wear Red Day—wear red to show support for women’s heart disease awareness.

Possibility of Mixed Drugs from Novartis Consumer Health Inc.
2012-01-30
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of certain products.

Healthy People 2020: Leading Health Indicators
2012-02-01
Access to healthcare needs improvement to meet national goals.

Scientific Director, United States Preventive Services Task Force
2012-01-31
Want to play a role in shaping U.S. health care?

Physician Assistant Workforce Task Force Report Available
2012-01-31
AAPA and PAEA jointly developed 16 recommendations to promote the growth of the PA workforce.

Delaware PAs and Healthcare Stakeholders Discuss Improving PA Practice Act
2012-02-01
Delaware Academy of PAs solicits feedback about modernizing PA supervision and ratio requirements.

PAs and PA Students Advocate for Improvements to Practice Laws in KY and VA
2012-02-01
PA state and specialty organizations across the country are hosting advocacy days at their respective state capitols.

AAPA, PSPA and SDPA Comment on Pennsylvania Draft Regulations
2012-02-02
PA organizations oppose proposed direct physician oversight of many medical devices, including lasers.

Caring for Communities Grant Will Support Second Harvest of Toronto
2012-02-02
The Caring for Communities grant will be awarded to Second Harvest of Toronto, Ontario this year.

Wisconsin PAs Meet Legislators in Madison
2012-02-03
PA Day at the Capitol garners additional co-sponsors for a key bill.

Efforts to License PA Practice in Puerto Rico Continue
2012-02-06
Territory stands alone in not licensing PAs.

2012 E-prescribing Penalty
2012-02-06
Failure to e-prescribe results in 1% Medicare payment reduction.

From the President - Making a Commitment to Military Families
2012-02-06
AAPA President Robert Wooten calls on PAs to educate themselves about PTSD, TBI and depression so they are prepared to provide military families with the health care they need. AAPA, Veterans Caucus and PAEA leaders were among those invited to a January 2012 roundtable discussion on military families and wellness at the White House.

AAPA Submits Comments on Essential Health Benefits
2012-02-07
Academy urges full inclusion of physician assistants in healthcare reform.

FDA Expands Use of Prevnar 13 Vaccine for Adults Aged 50 and Older
2012-02-07
Vaccine approved through accelerated pathway to prevent pneumonia and invasive disease caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae.

PAs Can Provide Medicare Preventive Services
2012-02-08
New updates and guidelines published

Five New Hospice Cosponsors On Board; Many More Needed
2012-02-08
Tell your Representative of the critical importance of PAs in hospice medicine and ask them to cosponsor HR 3831 TODAY!

Ed Hall, PA-C, Elected to Chair Alaska State Medical Board
2012-02-08
PAs are increasingly participating in medical regulation. For the second time, a PA is elected to chair a state medical board.

NJ Supreme Court Rules PAs Cannot Perform EMG Tests
2012-02-08
On Jan. 19, the New Jersey Supreme Court issued an opinion declaring that PAs cannot perform EMG tests in the state.

Too Much Sodium
2012-02-09
PAs need to know where salt is hiding.

2012 Immunization Schedule
2012-02-10
ACIP releases new recommendations for immunization of adults.

AAPA Appoints Florida PA to ENT Guidelines Panel
2012-02-13
Ear tubes or not ear tubes? PA working with physicians to develop new guidelines.

CDC Health Alert on Antiviral Flu Drugs
2012-02-13
Recommendations for influenza antiviral medications remain unchanged.

PAs Provide a Critical Healthcare Function
2012-02-14
PAs provide care in rural areas and small hospitals where there are fewer physicians.

Iowa Physician Assistant Society Holds Successful Lobby Day
2012-02-14
Iowa PAs and PA students convene at the state capitol to advocate for key legislation.

New! 2012 E-prescribing Incentive Program Resources from CMS
2012-02-15
Are you participating? Avoid penalties in 2012.

Budget Includes PA Training Increases, Other Healthcare Cuts
2012-02-15
For the first time, PA Training for primary care was given a $12 million set-aside in the President’s budget.

Medicare Provider Payment 'Fix' Comes With a Price Tag
2012-02-15
Prevention Health Fund tapped to prevent provider payment cuts.

HHS Announces Delay of ICD-10
2012-02-16
New compliance date to be determined.

CDC to Host Webinar on Flu Drug Recommendations
2012-02-17
PAs can get the up-to-date information they need on antivirals for influenza through the Clinician Outreach Communication Activity call/webinar.

Medicare Covers Intensive Behavioral Therapy (IBT) for Obesity
2012-02-21
PAs included as covered providers of IBT services.

Call In to Learn About New Medicare Payment Programs
2012-02-23
Learn how PAs and other health professionals can participate in accountable care organizations.

Iowa PA Society Sees Success in Legislature this Session
2012-02-23
Multiple PA bills make progress through the legislative process.

Younger Women and Higher Heart Attack Death Rates
2012-02-23
New information on age and sex difference in MI.

Indiana Regulators Seek Reforms to PA Law
2012-02-29
As the PA profession evolves to meet patient care needs, laws and regulations governing PA practice must also change.

Pennsylvania Legislation Voted Out of House Professional Licensure Committee
2012-02-29
The Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants steps closer to its goal of having physician and PA teams decide chart co-signature policy at the practice or facility level.

PAs Reaching Out To Veterans and The Military Community
2012-02-29
Ways that PAs can become a part of the community to help veterans and military families.

National Call-In to Congress Day, March 27, 2012
2012-03-21
Mark your calendars!

FDA Approves First Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine
2012-03-06
FluMist Quadrivalent is the first influenza vaccine to contain two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains.

Supporting the Mental Health of Veterans and Families
2012-03-06
Free CME on PTSD, TBI and the needs of military families.

White House Highlights State Benefits of PPACA
2012-03-07
New resources show the impact of health reform law.

Colorado Academy Holds Legislative Boot Camp
2012-03-07
PA leaders and students learn how to become advocates for the profession and for patients.

VA Medical Board Clarifies Issue of DNR Orders
2012-03-07
Guidance document concludes PAs have statutory and regulatory authority to write DNR orders.

Congress on Recess Next Week
2012-03-07
Connect in the District!

Attention PAs: Register Now for the Current Issues in Immunization NetConference
2012-03-09
Presentation to provide clinicians with the most up-to-date information on immunization.

Estrogen-Only Therapy May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
2012-03-12
New findings for women who have had a hysterectomy.

Attention Wellness Coordinators and Chapter Leaders!
2012-03-12
Would you like to be part of creating a comprehensive resource for impaired colleagues?

Surgeon General Releases New Report on Youth Smoking
2012-03-13
Nearly 90 percent of smokers try their first cigarette by age 18.

Virginia Ratio and Fluoroscopy Bill Signed by Governor
2012-03-14
Improvements to PA practice to take effect July 1.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Cervical Cancer Final Recommendation Statement
2012-03-15
The USPSTF has recently released its final recommendation for cervical cancer screening.

Iowa Bill Allowing PAs to Sign End-of-Life Preference Forms Signed by Governor
2012-03-16
Iowa patients will have more say in end-of-life healthcare decisions, thanks to a bill recently signed by Governor Branstad.

Oregon Medical Board Forced to Remove Fee for Supervising Physicians
2012-03-16
Legislature overrides medical board fee decision.

Key Hawaii Legislation Passes Senate
2012-03-16
Legislation regarding PA orders clears key hurdle.

Chlamydia Screening Rates Low in Young Women
2012-03-19
CDC estimates that annual screening guidelines for chlamydia are not being met.

AAPA Urges PCORI to Evaluate PA Practice and the Value of the Physician-PA Team
2012-03-19
AAPA President Robert Wooten praises PCORI but also recommends that PAs be included in comparative effectiveness research.

DEA Announces Registration Fee Increase
2012-03-20
For PAs the increase is estimated to be $5 per month over the three-year registration period.

Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
2012-03-20
DVT/PE Awareness Video and other tools available.

Healthy People 2020: Maternal, Infant, and Child Health Leading Health Indicators (LHI)
2012-03-22
Despite major advances in medical care, critical threats to maternal, infant, and child health still exist in the U.S.

Healthcare Reform Law Helps 1.3 Million Minority Young Adults Obtain Health Insurance
2012-03-22
The department of Health and Human Services recently released an issue brief which highlights the benefits provided by the Affordable Care Act.

Risks of Deep-Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Cancer Patients
2012-03-23
Survey shows that providers are not educating cancer patients of their increased risks for DVT and PE.

Post-Concussion Headaches in Army Soldiers
2012-03-27
Study finds that daily headaches are common in soldiers who experienced a concussion.

Massachusetts Association of PAs Holds Advocacy Day
2012-03-28
PA and PA student advocacy efforts featured in local news.

PAs Make Huge Impact on Capitol Hill
2012-03-28
Cosponsors secured and Congressional relationships strengthened during Capitol Connection.

Iowa Governor Signs Ratio Improvement and Respiratory Care Bills into Law
2012-04-04
Ratio bill increases the number of PAs an Iowa physician may supervise from two to five.

Educators Open Diabetes Management Credential to PAs
2012-03-29
For the first time, the Board Certified – Advanced Diabetes Management credential from the American Association of Diabetes Educators is open to PAs. Learn more about this timely opportunity.

The National Medication Errors Reporting Program
2012-03-30
National alert issued for potential medication safety issue with Exparel.

AHRQ Releases Community Care Coordination Guide
2012-04-03
Guide offers tools and resources to develop a community hub for coordination of healthcare services.

New CDC Estimates of Autism Spectrum Disorder
2012-04-03
Findings confirm that prevalence estimates of ASD continue to increase.

Pennsylvania House Passes Improvement to PA Practice Act
2012-04-05
The Keystone state moves closer to adding another of the Six Key Elements of a Modern PA Practice Act.

Florida Academy Invited to Serve on Scope of Practice Task Force
2012-04-05
Florida Medical Association seeks input on scope issues.

Real-Life Examples Needed for Advocacy Efforts!
2012-04-10
Do you have a story to tell?

VA Seeks to Eliminate Copayment for In-Home Video Telehealth Care
2012-04-11
Copayment exemption would cover any providers who provide the service, including PAs.

IHS Announces Availability of Scholarships
2012-04-11
Funds awarded to encourage American Indians and Alaska Natives to enter the health professions.

Recognizing Need, Value of PAs in Primary Care in Wisconsin
b y Elizabeth Roe, AAPA director of state advocacy and outreach   eroe@aapa.org   Citing a serious shortage of primary care physicians in the state, four physician educators from the University of Wisconsin medical school explained the tremendous value of physician assistants on the healthcare team.  

Florida PAs Celebrate Two Legislative Wins
2012-04-11
Bill passage means improvement in practice environment for PAs in the state.

West Virginia Governor Signs Bill to Add a PA to Board of Osteopathic Medicine
2012-04-12
State medical boards have found that they benefit from PA board members, who can use their professional experience as members of physician directed teams to better regulate the PA profession.

HHS Announces Another Delay In ICD-10 Billing Rules
2012-04-11
This HHS billing reprieve may be your last.

Nebraska Legislature Approves Bill Allowing PAs to Order Respiratory Care
2012-04-13
Thanks to a unanimous vote in the unicameral Nebraska Legislature, PAs will now be able to order respiratory care in the Cornhusker State.

Health Sisters Hospital Responds to Outcry over Inaccurate Article
2012-04-13
Article’s errors to be publicly corrected and new article about PAs to be written.

TN Legislation Exempts PAs from Subpoena to Trial in Civil Actions
2012-04-16
Without this exemption, many clinics, particularly in rural areas would have to shut down.

Leading Health Indicators Webinar on Mental Health
2012-04-16
PAs can register for the Healthy People 2020 webinar taking place on April 26, 2012 at 12 noon eastern.

Healthy People 2020 Spotlight on LGBT Health: Transgender Health Webinar
2012-04-17
Webinar will introduce Healthy People 2020’s new LGBT topic area.

AAPA Election 2012 Your Vote Your Voice
2012-04-17
2012-04-17 There are just two weeks left to vote! Cast a ballot for YOUR Academy leaders: 1 president-elect, 1 secretary-treasurer and 2 directors-at-large.   Learn about the candidates . This is your chance to shape the future of your organization and ultimately your profession. Let your voic

New Hospice Cosponsors On Board
2012-04-18
Many more needed!

Iowa Legislators Approve Mental Health Modernization Bill
2012-04-19
PAs supervised by psychiatrists have been added to the definition of mental health professional.

Michigan PA Leaders Hold Annual Meeting with Physicians
2012-04-19
Annual meeting is the result of a consensus statement on improving team practice.

HBO to Air The Weight of the Nation Film on May 14, 2012
2012-04-23
PAs are encouraged to sign up for the Take Action/Host a Screening opportunity and show the film in their workplace.

Make an IMPACT with PA PAC!
2012-04-24
Donate today! VIPs will receive an invitation to an exclusive, can’t miss event in Toronto.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Establishes New Physician Assistant Network
2012-04-24
PAs may credential with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and contract directly with the company.

Final Rule: DOT National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
2012-04-25
After years of preparation, DOT announces rule for registry of certified medical examiners.

Seeking PA Candidate to Work on Clinician Performance Measures
2012-04-26
AAPA is seeking a candidate with an interest in working with a national organization focused on improving patient safety, healthcare quality and value in all practice settings.

Comment Period Open for Medicare Proposed Rule on Hospital Payments
2012-04-26
Medicare proposed payment rule would promote improved inpatient care.

Kansas Finalizes Rules to Amend Co-Signature Requirements
2012-05-01
Physicians will no longer have to countersign 100% of PA charts in the Sunflower State.

MN Approves Mental Health Budget; Includes PAs
2012-05-01
Governor Dayton has signed a bill which will approve payment to PAs providing psychiatric care in the inpatient setting, as well as convene a workgroup to explore expanding this provision to the outpatient setting.

2012 General Election Results
2012-05-01
Results of the 2012 AAPA Board of Directors General Election have been announced.

Key Contacts Sought
2012-05-02
AAPA is seeking Key Contacts for certain federal legislators. Who do you know?

Continuing the Discussion on Changing the Title of the PA Profession
2012-05-03
Nearly 15,000 PAs answered questions about changing the professional title of physician assistant to another term. The results of that survey are posted.

Office of Healthcare Quality Seeks Comments
2012-05-03
PAs are encouraged to provide written comments on the draft National Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections: Roadmap to Elimination.

DC Health Professional Loan Repayment Program - New Application Cycle Opens June 1, 2012
2012-05-03
PAs working in the District of Columbia encouraged to apply.

AHRQ Seeks Comments on Proposed Children’s Healthcare Project
2012-05-08
Proposed project would develop a template for collecting information on children’s healthcare quality measures.

PAs Front and Center at Federation Meeting
2012-05-09
The Federation of State Medical Boards recently held its Centennial Conference. President-Elect Jim Delaney and senior staff represented AAPA and PAs were included in key initiatives.

CMS Issues Proposed Rule to Increase Medicaid Payments
2012-05-09
AAPA wants PAs fully included in increased Medicaid payments.

Medical News Inc. Touts Physician-PA Model
2012-05-09
The Medical News Inc. newspaper chain featured a front-page article and sidebar on the physician-PA team medicine model. AAPA staff were extensively quoted through out both stories.

USPSTF Releases Final Recommendation on Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Skin Cancer
2012-05-10
Agency concludes that fair-skinned persons ages 10 to 24 should be urged by their healthcare providers to minimize exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

How PAs Can Support Military Veterans
2012-05-10
Volunteers needed for the Wheelchair Games.

Occupational Medicine PAs Supporting U.S. Military Troops
2012-05-10
Serving those who serve us.

May is National Hepatitis Awareness Month
2012-05-10
First ever Hepatitis Testing Day on May 19

New Guidance on Pneumococcal Disease
2012-05-11
What can you do to increase your adult patient immunization rate?

CMS Clarifies PA Membership on Hospital Medical Staff
2012-05-14
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) yesterday released final hospital regulations that promise regulatory relief and cost savings for hospitals, but the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) believes CMS can do more to remove barriers to effective physician-PA teams in hospitals. AAPA is pleased that the revised regulations emphasize the ability of medical staffs and governing boards to appoint physician assistants and other practitioners as medical staff members.  

Lupus Awareness
2012-05-15
Resources for PAs from the Lupus Foundation of America

New Labor Department Health Careeers Portal Includes PAs
2012-05-16
AAPA is among the groups that had input on the U.S. Department of Labor on a new online portal for to assist new entrants and un- and under-employed persons transition into high paying, high growth healthcare careers.       

New Labor Department Website Promotes PAs
2012-05-16
AAPA is among the groups that had input on the U.S. Department of Labor’s new online portal to assist new entrants and un- and under-employed persons transition into high paying, high growth healthcare careers.

Join the IMPACT 2012 Tweetup in Toronto!
2012-05-17
2012-05-17 By Patrick Dunne, AAPA senior manager of communications   AAPA’s Annual PA Conference offers a wealth of networking opportunities along with first-class educational programs – and it is no secret that people rely on social networks like Twitter and Facebook professionally as much as personally.