PAEA Leadership Represents Interests of Programs During AAPA House of Delegates Meeting
In Nashville last week, members of PAEA’s Board of Directors and senior leadership gathered to consider issues impacting AAPA, the broader profession, and the health care landscape.
From May 19-21, the representatives of PAEA attended the meeting of the 2023 AAPA House of Delegates (HOD) which serves as the policymaking body for the PA profession. As one of the leading organizations within the profession, PAEA is responsible for providing an annual report, which focused this year on the Association’s Doctoral Summit, assessment program transition, and membership market analysis work.
Following external reports on May 19, the body considered a number of resolutions impacting PA programs, faculty, and students. Resolutions of note which PAEA testified in support of included proposals to diversify the profession through increased federal support for PA program development, recognize PA contributions in health professional shortage areas without reducing available federal funding, and limit unnecessary costs for pre-PAs during the application process.
While many resolutions received the Association’s full support, PAEA’s leadership also offered additional context on proposals of concern. Specifically, PAEA advocated for referral of a resolution seeking to standardize post-professional degree offerings for the profession until an updated policy on an entry-level degree for the profession can be considered by the membership during PAEA’s fall business meeting. After extended debate, the House voted narrowly to refer this resolution an appropriate body, effectively delaying consideration of the issue until PAEA members approve new policy.
In addition to post-professional degree offerings, PAEA also offered constructive comments on a resolution pertaining to testing accommodations available through PAEA and NCCPA exams. Supporting the principle of the resolution, the Association provided an overview of its role in working with institutions to provide appropriate accommodations as well as new accommodations that will be available via PAEA’s new assessment platform later this year. Following extended debate, the House broadly approved this resolution.
PAEA would like to thank President Linda Sekhon, DHSc, PA-C, President-Elect Nicole Burwell, PhD, MSHS, PA-C, and Immediate Past President Kara Caruthers, MSPAS, PA-C, for their representation at the House of Delegates meeting.
Members with questions about PAEA’s external affairs activities are invited to contact Tyler Smith at tsmith@PAEAonline.org.
