AAPA Advocacy: Frequently Asked Questions

AAPA works to advance the profession and promote quality, accessibility and cost-effectiveness in patient-centered healthcare. Our advocacy engagement includes initiatives related to the federal, state and grassroots levels. This article answers common questions about AAPA advocacy contacts, state laws, PA practice modernization, and how to stay current on advocacy news.

Advocacy Contacts

How Do I Contact My State or Federal Advocacy/Outreach Directors, the Reimbursement & Professional Advocacy Teams, or the CO Outreach & Advocacy Directors?

Find Advocacy team contact information on aapa.org.

Constituent Organizations

Where Can I Find Information on State Chapters, Caucuses, Specialty Organizations, and Special Interest Groups?

Find info on our constituent organizations on aapa.org.

PA Title Change

Where Can I Find Information About the PA Title Change?

Find information on the title change on aapa.org.

State Laws and Regulations

Where Can I Find More Information About My State Laws?

View this page on state laws and regulation resources.

What Is PA Practice Modernization?

The first PA practice laws were enacted by states in the 1970s and must be continually updated to keep pace with changes and innovations in healthcare delivery.

Modernizing PA practice laws unlocks the full potential of the PA profession and can help to ensure patients in all communities have access to timely, affordable, and high-quality care.

Optimal Modernization

• Removal of the legal tether between a PA and physician (such as a requirement for a written agreement)
• A separate PA regulatory board or one or more full PA voting member(s) on the medical/healing arts board
• Direct pay to PAs (as opposed to practice/employer)

Core Modernization Examples

• PA Licensure Compact
• Title Change
• Harmonization Acts
• Form Authentication (death certificates, handicap placards, POLST, MOLST, home health orders)
• Move from "supervision" to "collaboration"
• Scope of practice determined by PA's education, training & experience
• PAs "practice medicine"
• PAs responsible for care provided
• Elimination of physician delegation

Foundational Modernization

• "Licensure" as the regulatory term
• Scope of practice determined at the practice level
• Full prescriptive authority
• Adaptable proximity
• Co-signature requirements determined at the practice level
• No restrictions on the ratio of PAs to MDs or DOs

Latest AAPA Advocacy Efforts

How Do I Learn About the Latest AAPA Advocacy Efforts?

Stay up to date on all the latest Advocacy related news.

Do You Need AAPA's Assistance With a Policy Issue?

Are you dealing with an emerging or challenging legislative, regulatory, or professional practice policy issue and need AAPA's assistance? Please use the AAPA Policy Issue Identification Worksheet to provide us with further information.

Need More Help?

If you are unable to find what you need using the resources above, contact AAPA Customer Care for assistance.

• customercare@aapa.org
• 703-836-2272 x 1 M-F 9AM-5PM EST