Advocacy Archives

Legislation Signed by Virginia Governor Spanberger Will Modernize PA Practice Law, Expand Patient Access to Care

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) applauds Governor Abigail Spanberger for signing HB 746 into law and establishing an optimal practice environment for the state’s more than 5,150 physician associates (PAs).

April 10, 2026

Kansas Moves from ‘Supervision’ to ‘Collaboration’ and Closer to an Optimal Practice Environment

Legislation signed into law by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will enact three foundational modernizations to the state’s PA Practice Act, achieving significant improvements to the state’s practice environment.

April 6, 2026

Following Unanimous Legislative Support, Alabama Joins the PA Licensure Compact as the 24th State

Alabama lawmakers have taken steps to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce and improve patient access to care by passing HB 156, paving the way for Alabama’s more than 1,400 PAs to participate in the PA Licensure Compact.

March 18, 2026

AAPA Urges HHS to Include PAs in Future Reimbursement Rules for Use of AI Technology

In early 2026, AAPA submitted comments to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the topics of Artificial Intelligence and Medicare Advantage.

March 16, 2026

South Dakota Joins PA Compact in Third RHTP-driven Win for PAs

South Dakota is now the 23rd state to enter the PA Licensure Compact, following the signing of (H.B. 1146). This win comes on the heels of the state’s pledge to enter the PA Licensure Compact as part of its application for Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funds.

March 10, 2026

PA Response to Department of Education Proposed Rule Demonstrates Commitment to the Future of Healthcare

Since the announcement of the ED Decision to Place Restrictive Caps on PA Student Loans in early November and throughout the public comment period, the PA community has engaged in a robust show of grassroots advocacy.

March 3, 2026

AAPA Files Formal Comments Opposing Proposed Federal Student Loan Rule

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) has filed formal public comments with the U.S. Department of Education (ED) opposing its proposal to exclude PA programs from higher federal “professional” student loan limits and urging the Department to align the final rule with the statute by classifying PAs under the professional loan tier.

February 26, 2026

AAPA Comments to Education Department: Student Loan Exceeds Statutory Authority, Redefines H.R. 1’s “Professional Degree”

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), representing approximately the nation’s 190,000 physician associates/physician assistants (PAs), formally submitted public comments to the U.S. Department of Education opposing its proposed federal student loan rule under the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) framework.

February 26, 2026

Arizona Becomes 22nd Compact State in Second RHTP-driven Win for PAs

Arizona has officially become the 22nd state to enact legislation joining the PA Licensure Compact and fulfilling a promise the state made in its application for Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funds.

February 24, 2026

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