Advocacy Archives

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

Tom Bauer, former GAPA Lobbyist; Michelle Nelson PhD, APRN, FNP-C, FAANP, Co-Director/Chair, Georgia Coalition of APRNs; Julianna McConnell, MBA, CPA, Georgia Coalition of APRNs Lead Lobbyist; Representative Randy Nix; Governor Brian P. Kemp; Amy Reeves, PA-C, Legislative Chair, GAPA; Representative Alan Powell; Senator Chuck Hufstetler

Georgia Legislature Improves PA Practice—Provides PA and APRN Parity

Recently, Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp signed SB 321 into law. Effective Jan. 1 2021, the new law increases the PA to physician ratio to 4:1, and allows chart review to be determined at the practice level, among other changes.

September 14, 2020

Nebraska Academy of Physician Assistants

Updated PA Practice Act Removes Barriers for Nebraska PAs

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts recently signed L.B. 755, which streamlined statutory language relating to PA practice and made changes allowing improved care to patients. Among other things, the law removes language stating that a PA is the agent of the PA’s supervising physician.

August 19, 2020

Vermont Governor Signs Act Modernizing PA Practice

On July 1, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott signed S.128, an act that significantly improves PA practice in the state. The legislation was the result of years of hard work by the PA Academy of Vermont.

July 6, 2020

New Florida Law Secures Critical Component of OTP for PAs

Priority legislation for the Florida Academy of PAs, HB 713, becomes law giving PAs a majority in the regulation of the profession, one of the pillars of Optimal Team Practice. The new law modifies the composition of the PA Council.

July 1, 2020

How to Advocate in a Time of Social Distancing

Now more than ever, PAs should be advocating for the profession, sharing their stories with legislators about the critical role PAs play in healthcare delivery. Learn about ways to build and keep up these important relationships when in-person meetings are not an option.

June 15, 2020

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