AAPA Advocates for Six Elements of A Modern PA Practice Act

The American Academy of Physician Assistants has outlined six elements it says should be part of a modern PA practice act, but currently only two states have implemented all six elements. The majority of states have implemented three or fewer.

The six elements of a modern act are:

• "Licensure" as the Regulatory Term.
• Full Prescriptive Authority.
• Scope of Practice Determined at Practice Site.
• Adaptable Supervision Requirements.
• Chart Co-Signature Requirements Determined at the Practice.
• Number of PAs a Physician May Supervise Determined at Practice Level.

In a series of policy statements, AAPA explains the necessity of each element. Among the support given for its elements, AAPA argues that licensure is a term that can “accurately describe the professional regulatory process, ensure compliance with applicable laws and be readily understandable by employers.” It is more appropriate than “registering” or “certifying” PAs, according to the Academy.

When it comes to supervision, allowing each practice to determine appropriate supervision rather than implementing statewide standards can, “maximize team effectiveness,” AAPA notes.

Physician supervision of PAs is an integral element of PA practice, but AAPA maintains that physicians should have the discretion to determine how to implement and document supervision. Therefore, chart co-signature (or “countersignature”) on all PA chart entries is no longer necessary, the AAPA says.

More information on the six elements of a modern PA practice act, and a map of state adoption of the six points can be accessed at: http://www.aapa.org/advocacy-andpractice- resources/state-advocacy/six-key-elements.