Federal Archives

VA Establishes Path to Potentially Adopt Full Practice Authority for PAs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued an interim final rule that could serve as a step towards authorizing PAs working at the VA to be granted full practice authority. The rule confirms the VA’s authority to establish national standards of practice.

November 16, 2020

VA Implements Competitive Pay, Other Advances in PA Practice

AAPA applauds the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for releasing an updated PA Handbook which implements competitive pay for PAs along with other changes related to the PA profession that will modernize the VA’s qualification standards for PAs and expand access to care to our nation’s veterans.

October 9, 2020

CMS Authorizes PAs to Deliver Limited Care to Patients in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently finalized a policy change authorizing PAs to deliver limited care to patients in inpatient rehabilitation facilities. In June, AAPA asked CMS for a rule change authorizing PAs to perform all required physician visits.

September 21, 2020

COVID-19 Reinforces Urgent Need for the PA Direct Payment Act

AAPA staff and dedicated PA advocates have been working with determination to advance the PA Direct Payment Act (S.596/H.R. 1052) during this Congress. Here is an update on legislation to help ensure PAs can permanently receive direct payment for their services.

September 18, 2020

New CMS Rule Provides Additional PA Practice Flexibility

CMS yesterday released additional regulatory flexibilities for PAs in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The Medicare and Medicaid Programs Policy and Regulatory Revisions in Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency interim final rule temporarily authorizes PAs to supervise diagnostic tests.

April 30, 2020

New CMS Waiver Provides Additional PA Practice Flexibility

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services yesterday released additional regulatory flexibilities in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The new waiver authorizes PAs to deliver visits to Medicare beneficiaries in a skilled nursing facility previously required to be provided by physicians.

April 10, 2020

AAPA Asks Secretary Wilkie, Veterans Health Administration for Full Practice Authority for PAs at VA

During COVID-19 Pandemic, AAPA calls on Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration leadership to permanently ensure the VA’s PA workforce is empowered to practice to the top of their education, training and experience.

April 3, 2020

Department of Health and Human Services Urges Governors to Remove Barriers to PA-Provided Care during COVID-19 Response

In a letter sent to all 50 governors, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar urged governors to extend the capacity of their states’ healthcare workforces, including PAs, to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2, 2020

Dr. Heather Prichard instructs Dr. Shawn Gage and Dr. Jeffrey Lawson on opening the packaging

CMS Removes Unnecessary Administrative and Regulatory Requirements for PAs, Other Health Professionals

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiated another round of regulatory relief on March 30 aimed at increasing the ability of PAs, other health professionals and hospitals to deliver needed care to patients during the COVID-19 crisis.

April 1, 2020

Federal

Topics