AAPA: Full Practice Authority for PAs in the VA

[NYCGuy86]

Saw this elsewhere, perhaps some here will be interested:

https://www.aapa.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=6442451423

I think it makes sense that if NPs are granted full practice authority, PAs should as well. Now, from what I understand, the proposal for NPs is that they would not require a supervising or collaborating physician to practice (correct me if I'm wrong), as is the case in 20+ states. So, if this is extended to PAs, that would mean they too do not require a supervising/collaborating physician in the VA? Would this be a first in the country?

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[VA Hopeful Dr]

Saw this elsewhere, perhaps some here will be interested:

https://www.aapa.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=6442451423

I think it makes sense that if NPs are granted full practice authority, PAs should as well. Now, from what I understand, the proposal for NPs is that they would not require a supervising or collaborating physician to practice (correct me if I'm wrong), as is the case in 20+ states. So, if this is extended to PAs, that would mean they too do not require a supervising/collaborating physician in the VA? Would this be a first in the country?

Problem is, PAs are supervised by state medical boards and they aren't likely to look favorably on this notion.

 

[NYCGuy86]

Problem is, PAs are supervised by state medical boards and they aren't likely to look favorably on this notion.

I agree. I'm curious to understand how this would actually play out if it happens.

 

[Makati2008]

Saw this elsewhere, perhaps some here will be interested:

https://www.aapa.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=6442451423

I think it makes sense that if NPs are granted full practice authority, PAs should as well. Now, from what I understand, the proposal for NPs is that they would not require a supervising or collaborating physician to practice (correct me if I'm wrong), as is the case in 20+ states. So, if this is extended to PAs, that would mean they too do not require a supervising/collaborating physician in the VA? Would this be a first in the country?

This just seems like a bad deal for the vets that are being cared for by MLP. There needs to be some type of oversight to help prevent patient errors/harm.


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[d2305]

I'm not sure you have to have a state license to work for the VA as a PA.

 

[NYCGuy86]

I'm not sure you have to have a state license to work for the VA as a PA.

Right that's exactly what I'm wondering. So, if that's the case, then it could be very possible that PAs in the VA, along with the APRNs, would not need a supervising/collaborative physician to practice. I'm guessing this would be a first for PAs?

Seems as if now, both organized nursing and organized PA are advocating for independence/full autonomy, at least in the VA for PAs for now.

 

[VA Hopeful Dr]

I'm not sure you have to have a state license to work for the VA as a PA.

I think you have to have A state license, just not necessarily the state you are working in. Someone, somewhere has to certify you as not a danger to the public.

 

[Boatswain2PA]

I think the PA-C does that for the VA, but not sure. Some fed jobs do require A state license, but not sure if all of them do.

Re: the new and growing PA push for independent practice....this is a result of our primary competitor (NPs) successfully getting it. I had hoped that the AMA and other physician groups would have pushed back against NP independence by declaring what it means to be practicing MEDICINE to delineate it from "advanced nursing", but it didn't happen.

 

[762513]

Allowing midlevels either NP or PA to practice independently is dangerous for patients.

 

[TedStark]

So if NP's in the VA are practicing "advanced nursing..." What are the PA's practicing? Independent physician assisting?

Only in America.

 

[NYCGuy86]

So if NP's in the VA are practicing "advanced nursing..." What are the PA's practicing? Independent physician assisting?

Only in America.

PAs practice medicine.

 

[pamac]

Saw this elsewhere, perhaps some here will be interested:

https://www.aapa.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=6442451423

I think it makes sense that if NPs are granted full practice authority, PAs should as well. Now, from what I understand, the proposal for NPs is that they would not require a supervising or collaborating physician to practice (correct me if I'm wrong), as is the case in 20+ states. So, if this is extended to PAs, that would mean they too do not require a supervising/collaborating physician in the VA? Would this be a first in the country?

A lot of the states that have "independent" NP's still require a collaboration agreement of some kind.

 

[NYCGuy86]

A lot of the states that have "independent" NP's still require a collaboration agreement of some kind.

Then that really isn't independent if a written collaborative agreement is still required.

 

[762513]

I personally think it's inexcusable for PA's to want to practice without supervision.

They should go the medical school and take step 3 which is essentially how to diagnose disease with some epidemiology and biostats sprinkled in.

Unless there's a RCT with a full patient panel without a single limitation noted I will find PA push for independent practice just as scary as NP push.

 

[pamac]

Then that really isn't independent if a written collaborative agreement is still required.

"Alls" I know is that sometimes that's the case. The distinction might come from a collaboration plan in question not being a supervisory agreement, but can take the form of simply being a plan on how to refer out consults for cases outside of the NPs scope. It's safe to say that's different (and more empowering) than operating under the scope of a supervising physician. I'm not sure the intricacies of each state. Mine is fully independent... No agreement necessary, whether supervisory or collaborative.

 

[niko327]

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