Advocacy Archives

For Real Change, PAs Must Commit to Advocacy

The past months have proven how effective PAs can be when fewer barriers stand in their way. AAPA President Beth R. Smolko, DMSc, MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA, implores PAs and PA students to become more active advocates in moving the profession forward.

December 21, 2020

CMS Releases 2021 Physician Fee Schedule Rule

As part of the final 2021 Physician Fee Schedule, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) permanently authorized PAs to supervise clinical staff who perform diagnostic tests for Medicare beneficiaries.

December 2, 2020

CMS Mandatory Reporting Program to Include PAs

Starting January 1, 2021, PAs are required to be included in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments program. Open Payments is a national disclosure database aimed at improving transparency about financial relationships on a public website.

November 18, 2020

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

AAPA Engages Federal Trade Commission Over Proposed Rules in Maine

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent correspondence to the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine and the Maine Board of Osteopathic Licensure regarding proposed regulations to implement Maine’s legislation (LD 1660), an Act to Improve Access to Physician Assistant Care.

November 2, 2020

New White Paper Will Help You Understand Transparency Issues

Transparency is at the heart of many AAPA advocacy efforts. Inadequate identification of PAs and the services they provide creates flawed data which inaccurately inform important decisions made by patients, policy makers, payers, researchers, and others. A new white paper highlights these issues.

October 15, 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

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