PAs for the Win: 2023 Advocacy Update

During PA Week, we’re reflecting on the progress PAs have achieved toward advancing our legislative agenda this year. AAPA is working hard to remove barriers to PA practice to ensure PAs are in the best possible position to improve patient access to high-quality care. So far this year, 20 states introduced PA-positive legislation, and legislators have taken notice!

October 10, 2023

AAPA Comments on the Proposed 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

The American Academy of PAs (AAPA) submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that oversees the Medicare program, in response to the 2024 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule. The rule recommends numerous changes to Medicare’s coverage and payment policies that impact PAs, physicians and other health professionals.

September 25, 2023

PA Licensure Compact Bill Passes in Delaware 

 On June 21, Gov. John Carney signed S.B.116 into law, making Delaware the second state to join Utah in adopting the PA licensure compact. S.B.116 will strengthen access to medical services and enhance the portability of PA licensure while safeguarding the safety of patients and complementing the existing authority of state licensing boards. 

July 21, 2023

Oregon Governor Signs Bill Expanding PA Representation on State Medical Board

On July 18, 2023 Gov. Tina Kotek signed into law HB 2627, giving PAs in the state more opportunity to actively partake in efforts improving access to quality care in Oregon. AAPA joins the Oregon Society of Physician Assistants (OSPA) in thanking Representative Bobby Levy for her efforts in sponsoring the legislature and advocating on behalf of the PA profession.

July 21, 2023

Nevada Governor Signs Bill Giving PAs a Voice in Public Health

On June 9, Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo signed into law AB364, legislation that revises the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners to include PA representation on its 11-member board. The bill ensures PAs are part of conversations surrounding quality of public health and patient care in Nevada.

June 15, 2023

AAPA Responds to Expiration of CMS Public Health Emergency

The public health emergency (PHE) declaration, put in place by the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic, temporarily lifted several outdated policies that prevented PAs from practicing to the full extent of their education and experience. In a letter to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, AAPA requested that certain PHE policies become permanent and others be discontinued or amended.

May 2, 2023

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