For immediate release
April 12, 2023

SCAPA is on the move, literally. After 22 years as Executive Director, Janet Jordan, CAE, is retiring. A new management team has been hired and officially took over this week.

According to Jordan, “This is so bittersweet. I have worked with so many wonderful SCAPA leaders over the years and seen them grow from PA students to PAs, get married, have children, and now those children are going off to college. I truly feel like SCAPA is part of my extended family, but it is time to turn the reigns over to a younger generation with new and fresh ideas that will move SCAPA forward. I look forward to keeping up with SCAPA’s progress as an Honorary Member and hopefully keeping in touch with the many friends I have made over the years. My new email address is jordan3m@sc.rr.com.”

Jones, McAden, and Associates, LLC (JMA) is taking over management, and Allison Jones King is the new Executive Director with direct support from Adam Jones, Sarah Waldrop, and and Anne Heiler. JMA is an association management, event management, and government relations firm that has operated since 1975. They are an established business with innovative 21st-century solutions and prides itself on its team's expertise and desire to satisfy clients. JMA will provide complete association management services for SCAPA and has experience working with licenses, continuing education, and government agencies. JMA’s team works hard to provide the best membership experience to its clients, and they are looking forward to working with SCAPA.

Contact information for SCAPA and the new management team is as follows:

MAILING ADDRESS
PO Box 11937
Columbia, SC 29211-1937

STREET ADDRESS
626 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201

PHONE: 803-771-4271
FAX: 803-771-4272
EMAIL: info@scapapartners.org
WEBSITE: www.scapapartners.org

STAFF
Allison King
allison@jma-associations.com
Direct: 843-670-1208

Adam Jones
adam@jma-associations.com
Direct: 803-422-0762

Sarah Waldrop
sarah@jma-assoications.com -
Office: 803-771-4271

Anne Heiler

Anne@jma-associations.com

Office: 803-771-4271

Please update your files accordingly and join the SCAPA Board of Directors in welcoming Allison, Adam, Sarah, and Sarah to the SCAPA team!

9,915 Certified PAs joined the workforce in 2020. View the NCCPA 2020 Statistical Profile of Recently Certified PAs to learn more about them as they join this exciting profession by clicking HERE.

Today, NCCPA and AAPA are pleased to announce that PANRE-LA has been approved by the AAPA for Category 1 Self-Assessment CME credit.

PAs who opt to participate in PANRE-LA beginning in 2023 will earn two (2) CME credits for each quarter in which they complete the 25 PANRE-LA questions.

NCCPA will adjust the credit awarded using a 50% bonus for activities approved for Category 1 Self-Assessment CME credits, and PAs should keep in mind that this additional credit is only applicable to meet NCCPA CME requirements.

Providing CME credit for this new recertification alternative recognizes the important element of learning that is incorporated into the longitudinal assessment format.

Additional information will be provided by NCCPA and AAPA n the upcoming months.

“This announcement comes after a multi-year investigation looking into all aspects of the recertification process. The investigation included researching current recertification assessment trends, knowledge retention, adult learning, and feedback from various stakeholder groups. However, the most significant initiatives concentrated on the PA profession—convening focus groups, conducting profession-wide surveys, developing, and implementing a Pilot assessment, and then collecting feedback from PAs who participated in the Pilot. The wealth of data gathered through these efforts was used to inform the framework for the new recertification alternative,” said NCCPA President and CEO Dawn Morton-Rias, Ed.D., PA-C.

Over 18,000 PAs participated in the Pilot Alternative to PANRE in 2019-2020. Over 98% of PAs continued in the process for the full two-year period, and 97.5% of them passed. Throughout that process, PAs provided feedback through focus groups and quarterly surveys.   

The new recertification process, PANRE-LA, incorporates elements of a longitudinal assessment and is designed to help PAs identify and address knowledge gaps in core medical content. It removes some of the stress and anxiety of the recertification process.

In 2019, after years of investigation and gathering feedback from PAs, NCCPA adopted a new content blueprint for the recertification exams—one that focuses on core medical knowledge versus the more general blueprint used for PANCE. The core medical blueprint has been updated based on the practice analysis conducted earlier this year and includes detailed information on the diseases and disorders and knowledge levels that will be covered on the test center PANRE and the longitudinal PANRE-LA. 

“The PANRE-LA is similar to the Pilot, but we’ve made it more “user-friendly” based on feedback received from PAs who participated in the Pilot,” said NCCPA Vice President of Research and Exam Programs Sheila Mauldin. 

So, what does the new PANRE-LA look like?  Here’s an overview:

• Each quarter, 25 questions will be administered in an online format that PAs can take anywhere, anytime, and on any compatible device. Each question will have a five-minute time limit, and PAs may use online or printed references to help inform their answer selection.
  
  
• Before opening an exam question, PAs will be provided information on the content category that will be assessed and can decide to move forward with opening the question or defer it until later in the quarter. This way PAs know in advance what content area will be coming up in case they want to review the exam blueprint topics or reference materials before opening the question.
  
  
• Immediate feedback will be provided to PAs to let them know if the answer they submitted was correct, and they will be provided a rationale and references that can be accessed for additional information. The content of questions that have been completed and the rationales will be available throughout the process so PAs can review it anytime, at their convenience.
  
  
• PAs will have three years to complete the new process. During the 12 available quarters, PAs will be required to complete eight quarters and may skip up to four quarters. This allows PAs more flexibility to participate in quarters that fit best with their schedules.
  
  
• There are benefits for getting started right away and working straight through. PAs who complete the first eight quarters may be able to finish the process in two years, if they reach the passing standard. PAs who have not met the passing standard may continue in the program, and scores will be recalculated at the end of each subsequent quarter, using the best eight quarters.  This provides PAs an opportunity to improve their performance before the end of the 12-quarter process.
  
  
• PAs will apply for the PANRE-LA process in the year six of their certification maintenance cycle and the exam questions are administered in years 7-9. As previously noted, one of the foundational principles of the PANRE-LA process is to help PAs identify and close core medical knowledge gaps, and NCCPA anticipates that only a very small percent of PAs will not reach the passing standard after completing the PANRE-LA. However, another benefit of this process is that PAs will still have up to three opportunities to take and pass PANRE in the tenth year of their recertification cycle before their certification expires.

Morton-Rias shared, “The PANRE-LA process helps PAs identify and close knowledge gaps. It reduces the stress and anxiety that comes with taking a test.  PAs don’t have to schedule time away from work to travel to test centers and can take the exam at their convenience. They can use references to help find the answers and grow their knowledge. Plus, they will be able to earn CME for participating in the process. Our goal was to develop a meaningful and less stress-inducing process for PAs to demonstrate their ongoing core medical knowledge, and we are excited about the new PANRE-LA.”

The application period will open later this year for PAs who are due to recertify in 2024, 2025, and 2026 and want to participate in this new process. The registration period will close December 15, 2022, and the first block of exam questions will be available in January 2023. 

More specific information on the recertification options will be provided to the groups of PAs who eligible to apply in 2022. If you have any questions, please refer to the PANRE-LA FAQs. You may also email us or send a text message to 678.417.8101. Over the next few months, we will continue to update the FAQs to provide additional details on the PANRE-LA process.

Nationally, the average 2022 premiums for Medicare Advantage plans – private health plans that cover all Medicare benefits and may provide additional benefits – are expected to decrease more than 10 percent from 2021, while plan choice and benefits continue to increase.

CMS provides price and quality information to empower people with Medicare to choose coverage options that are the best fit for them. While reviewing their health care coverage, enrollees can consider new or different plans, discover extra benefits, and possibly save money.  Information on these resources is below.

In South Carolina, 1,124,218 individuals are enrolled in Medicare.

In South Carolina in 2022:

Medicare Advantage:

• The average monthly Medicare Advantage premium changed from $12.13 in 2021 to $11.66 in 2022. This represents a -3.84 percent change in average premium.
• 96 Medicare Advantage plans are available in 2022, compared to 96 plans in 2021. 100 percent of people with Medicare have access to a Medicare Advantage plan.
• $0 is the lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan.
• 100 percent of people with Medicare will have access to a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 monthly premium.
• Through the CMS Innovation Center’s Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model, 20 plans will offer Medicare Advantage enrollees eliminated Part D cost-sharing; rewards and incentives programs related to healthy behaviors; and customized, innovative benefits that address social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and social isolation, for certain underserved and/or chronically ill enrollees.

Medicare Part D:

• 24 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans are available in 2022. All individuals with Medicare have access to a Medicare prescription drug plan.
• 7 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans and 31 Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage will offer lower out-of-pocket insulin costs through the Part D Senior Savings Model.
• 100 percent of people with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan have access to a plan with a lower premium than what they paid in 2021.
• 25 percent of people with a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan get Extra Help (also called the low-income subsidy, or LIS).
• $6.90 is the lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan.

2022 Medicare Open Enrollment Important Dates

Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15, 2021, to December 7, 2021. People with Medicare should take the opportunity to review their health care needs for the upcoming year and determine if they would benefit by changing plans. By shopping available plans and comparing costs, individuals may find a Medicare health or drug plan with better coverage or a lower premium in 2022.

      September 2021

• The “2022 Medicare & You” Handbook is sent to every person with Medicare. The handbook can be accessed online at: https://www.medicare.gov/forms-help-resources/medicare-you-handbook/download-medicare-you-in-different-formats.
• Health and drug plans begin notifying enrollees about changes to their plans in 2022.

      October 2021

• Individuals can begin shopping and comparing plans on Medicare.gov starting October 1, 2021.
• Individuals should watch their mail for notices from Medicare with information about changes in 2022.
• Medicare health and drug plan 2022 Star Ratings will be available on Medicare.gov on or around October 7, 2021.
• Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, 2021.

      December 2021

• Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7, 2021.

   

        January 2022

• Medicare health and drug plan coverage for 2022 begins January 1, 2022.

2022 Medicare Open Enrollment Resources

Medicare.gov provides clear, easy-to-use information as well as an updated Medicare Plan Finder to allow people with Medicare to compare their personalized options for health and drug coverage. CMS will update the Medicare Plan Finder with the 2022 Medicare health and prescription drug plan information on October 1, 2021. 1-800-MEDICARE is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide help in English and Spanish as well as language support in over 200 languages.

In addition, Medicare enrollees can contact their State Health Insurance Programs (https://www.shiphelp.org/) for one-on-one assistance. People who want to keep their current Medicare coverage do not need to re-enroll.

To help with their Medicare costs, low-income seniors and adults with disabilities may qualify to receive financial assistance from the Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs). The MSPs are essential to help millions of Americans access high-quality health care at a reduced cost, yet only about half of eligible people are enrolled. The MSPs help pay Medicare premiums and may also pay Original Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments if people meet the conditions of eligibility. Enrolling in an MSP offers relief from these Medicare costs, allowing people to spend that money on food, housing or transportation. Seniors interested in learning more can visit: https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/medicare-savings-programs.

http://theitem.staging.communityq.com/detail.html?sub_id=b27cb28b14

For more information, details can be found on the ARC-PA website Call for New Clinical Postgraduate ARC-PA Site Visitors – ARC-PA.

The Health Foundation has five seed grant programs to support your efforts, and you can access each grant’s guidelines below: 

• Kathy Pedersen Grant to Promote Equitable Care – Up to $5,000 Apply by Thurs, 6/3/2021

The grant supports innovative, actionable strategies that directly and sustainably impact public health needs.

• Be the CHANGE Grant – Up to $2,500 Apply when ready
• Mental Health Outreach Grant – Up to $1,000 Apply when ready
• Oral Health Outreach Grant – Up to $1,000 Apply when ready
• Oral Health Integration Grant – Up to $3,000 Apply when ready

Find our grant writing tips online; and follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn) for ideas.  Since the pandemic began, we’ve funded projects that address maternal health, diversity in the PA profession, access to care for those experiencing homelessness, incorporating transgender health into PA curriculum, and more.  

This educational activity is free of charge and offers continuing education credits.

This weekly longitudinal series will address the ongoing pandemic, vaccine planning, treatment, and other updates. Presenters will include clinicians, SC DHEC leadership and health care administrators.

January 12, 2021

PA (physician assistant) rose to the No. 1 spot on both the 100 Best Jobs list and the Best Healthcare Jobs list in U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Jobs rankings released Jan. 12.

According to U.S. News, the rankings factor in important aspects of a job, such as growth potential, work-life balance, and salary, in order to help job seekers at every level achieve their career goals.

“It’s exciting to see this recognition for the PA profession, especially during such a pivotal time in healthcare,” said AAPA President and Chair of the Board Beth R. Smolko, DMSc, MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA. “The pandemic has demonstrated how critical PAs are to healthcare teams, and we will continue to advocate for updates to laws to ensure PAs in every state can provide care consistent with our education, training, and experience. The U.S. News 2021 ranking serves as another reminder that our profession is continuing to grow and that the healthcare system must evolve as well to make the most of the quality care PAs provide.”

U.S. News uses data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to identify jobs with the greatest hiring demand. More information on how the rankings are selected is available on its website.

The 2020 AAPA Salary Report, released today, shows that 2019 salary and compensation numbers for the PA profession continued their upward trend last year. The survey includes PA-reported data covering 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The median annual salary for full-time U.S. PAs rose from $106,000 in 2018 to $110,000 in 2019.

Compensation, which includes base salary, hourly wages, or some form of productivity pay, is also measured by AAPA’s survey. In 2019, median compensation across the profession increased to $111,000 from a median of $107,500 in 2018.

This year, AAPA has launched a new Digital Salary Report, allowing PAs to input information about their practice to obtain custom compensation data for their specific situation. With actual and cost-of-living adjusted compensation, as well as cross-state and specialty comparisons, PAs can make informed decisions before moving – in their careers or across the country.

“In the midst of COVID-19, many PAs are facing challenges such as furloughs and significant changes within their workplaces,” said AAPA President and Chair of the Board Beth R. Smolko, DMSc, MMS, PA-C. “The increase in PA base salary and compensation in 2019 underscores how valuable PAs are in today’s healthcare workforce – which has become even more evident during this time of increased need for access to healthcare providers. The AAPA Salary Report and the new, customizable digital version will be a valuable resource for PAs as they navigate the ever-evolving healthcare space.”

ACCESS THE 2020 AAPA SALARY REPORT HERE: https://www.aapa.org/shop/salary-report/

Other highlights from the report include:

• PAs working part-time (less than 32 hours per week) report working a median of 24 hours weekly and report median base salaries of $85,000 and median hourly wages of $60.
• Full-time PAs report working a median of 40 hours weekly and report a median base salary of $110,000 and median hourly wages of $62.73. Median pay among PAs who are paid based on productivity metrics was $145,000.
• Across all compensation types, median base compensation was $111,000 in 2019.
• About half of full-time PAs received a bonus, and half of PAs who received a bonus reported it was $5,500 or more.
• PAs who work in emergency medicine earn more than PAs in other major specialty areas with median base compensation of $124,100 across the profession, comprising salary, hourly, and productivity paid PAs.

The AAPA Salary Report is the only PA salary resource that provides detailed information about base salary, base hourly wage, bonus, and benefits. The report provides detailed breakdowns based on experience, specialty, setting, and employer. Data for this report were collected through the 2020 AAPA Salary Survey between February 1 and March 1, 2020. The survey was open to all PAs, and 13,682 PAs responded to the survey. For more information on the methodology, please contact media@aapa.org.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity has become more prevalent across the world, including in our communities. Because of this, the South Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants  (SCAPA) Philanthropy Committee would like to focus on addressing food insecurity through a virtual drive with Feeding America. 

What is CurrentMD COVID?

• Online accredited COVID-19 curriculum for physicians and advanced practice providers
• Microlearning modules (ranging from 5-20 minutes a piece)
• Downloadable content on mobile devices for anytime access
• 11 CME/MOC units available today (with more being added)
• Content from thought leaders in Emergency Medicine, Intensive Care Medicine, Cardiovascular Care, Population Health, and Physician Leadership
• Four Tracks: COVID-19 Background, Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment & Follow-up

To get started with CurrentMD COVID curriculum, fill out the form found at: https://k2p.com/lp/bcbs-south-carolina/

 Obesity Care Week is an annual public awareness effort supported by more than 50 countries worldwide and more than 55 healthcare-focused organizations. From advocating for fair treatment of obesity to ending weight bias, OCW aims to raise awareness, educate and advocate for a better world for people living with obesity.

SCAPA is a proud Champion of Obesity Care Week (OCW), we recognize that obesity is a complex, chronic disease affecting more than 650 million people globally and believe that together, we can make this a better world for people living with obesity.

OCW2020 is set for March 1^st-7^th, 2020 and each day of this awareness week is dedicated to highlight issues impacting people with obesity:

·         March 1^st: Launch Day

·         March 2^nd: Weight Bias Day

·         March 3^rd: Obesity Treatment Day

·         March 4^th: World Obesity Day

·         March 5^th: Access to Care Day

·         March 6^th: Childhood Obesity Day

·         March 7^th: “I Care” Day

 You can learn more about Obesity Care Week and how you can get involved by signing-up for OCW2020 Alerts! ObesityCareWeek.org/ocw-alerts

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class.

“This is an exciting opportunity to help meet the medical needs of the community as well as the growing demand for physician assistants across the country,” said Weber, who is also associate professor of physician assistant studies.

“Our goal is to attract physician assistant students who will train, work and stay in South Carolina.”

The approval from ARC-PA represents a significant milestone for this 24-month master’s degree program. It reflects over three years of design and preparation by the program’s faculty and staff. Weber led the effort, in collaboration with multiple medical facilities and professionals across South Carolina. 

“We are excited to move forward with the PA program and deeply appreciative to ARC-PA for its review and evaluation of our application,” President Staton said.

“We are dedicated to building a strong program that, rooted in service and committed to our college’s mission and values, will extend that commitment in a meaningful way to prepare students for servant leadership as future physician assistants in different communities.”

This status allows students to enroll at PC and classes to begin in October. The PA program will enroll 32 students in its inaugural cohort.

“The diverse applicant pool for this highly competitive program has drawn potential students from around the nation, and we are excited to begin the program,” Weber said.  

Dr. Don Raber, PC provost, is equally pleased with the accreditation.

“I am impressed by the energy and enthusiasm, both on campus and in the community, for our PA program as we develop a portfolio of graduate offerings in health professions,” Raber said. “Many thanks go to Dr. Weber and his team of faculty and staff for making this a reality.

“We are eagerly awaiting our first group of students to arrive very soon.”

More information about the PA program may be found at https://www.presby.edu/academics/graduate-professional/physician-assistant-program/

https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/Reforming-Americas-Healthcare-System-Through-Choice-and-Competition.pdf

How to prepare:

Review the following documents jointly prepared by the SCAPA Legislative Committee leadership, the SC Board of Medical Examiners (BME), the South Carolina Academy of Family Physicians, and the South Carolina Medical Association:

PA Bill - https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess123_2019-2020/bills/132.htm

PA Bill Summary - https://llr.sc.gov/med/pdf/Summary%20of%20the%20PA%20Practice%20Act%202019.pdf

PA Bill FAQ - https://llr.sc.gov/med/pdf/PA%20FAQ%20August%202019.pdf

Next steps:

With the new changes, every current practicing PA will need to complete an addendum to their scope of practice by August 11, 2019 in order to practice certain items now included in this bill.  We are working with the BME to communicate this process to PAs across the state, are waiting for them to take the lead at this time, and will keep you updated as we receive new information. Keep in mind any addendum you complete with the BME must be submitted to your hospital credentials committee if you work for a hospital system.  At all times, ensure you have a copy of your scope of practice guidelines and addended scope on file as you may be audited by the BME per current statute (law).

In the interim, after reading the summary and FAQ documents in their entirety please contact the BME (Medboard@llr.sc.gov) if you have any remaining questions regarding the new bill and its interpretation.

SCAPA is excited to assist with the education process regarding the bill over the next year and to simultaneously promote our PA profession.  Please forward links to these documents to your supervising physicians, practice managers, and administrators of interest to help spread the word on how PAs are much more able to optimize patient care as a result of this legislation.

 https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2019/06/south-carolina-set-to-modernize-pa-practice/

LEXINGTON, S.C. May 17, 2019 – The South Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (SCAPA) commends Gov. Henry McMaster for signing Senate Bill 132 into law on May 13, 2019. The enactment of this legislation will go into effect August 11, 2019, and will allow PAs to increase access to care for patients and families throughout the state through its modernization of the regulation of PA practice.

"We are excited that the General Assembly continues to show their commitment to improving access to healthcare for all South Carolinians. When providers are able to work collaboratively at the top of their skill sets, patients win," said Thornton Kirby, President & CEO, South Carolina Hospital Association.

The new law will expedite PA entry into the healthcare workforce by streamlining licensure processes and removing archaic, extraneous requirements that serve no public protection role. For example, prior to the enactment of Senate Bill 132, South Carolina was one of 10 states that required PAs to pass a jurisprudence exam as part of the licensure process.

“I applaud South Carolina legislators for putting patients above politics.  After evaluating the medical evidence, key outcome data, and best practices legislators are even more committed to removing barriers in the form of restrictive scope of practice laws,” said SCAPA Legislative Co-Chair, Kevin Harmon, MSPAS, PA-C.

PAs are medical providers who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a principal healthcare provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative. PAs practice in every medical setting and specialty, improving healthcare access and quality.

“Admission to PA school is highly competitive with many student applicants coming in with a concentration in pre-medicine. PA students have diverse patient care backgrounds that include roles such as paramedics, registered dieticians, researchers and nurses,” said SCAPA Legislative Co-Chair Megan Fulton, MSPAS, PA-C.

States are increasingly removing barriers in an effort to expand access to the high-quality care that PAs provide. A June 2018 study conducted by the Hamilton Project, an economic research group and think tank within the Brookings Institution, concludes that removing barriers to PA care would alleviate healthcare shortages and would improve efficiency and productivity in the delivery of healthcare — all with no adverse effects on patient outcomes.

“PAs are playing a critical role in addressing healthcare shortages throughout the country. We want to extend our gratitude to Gov. McMaster and the legislature for their efforts to ensure patients in South Carolina continue to benefit from the high-quality care PAs provide,” said SCAPA President Jen Marshall, MSPAS, PA-C.

“Many people in South Carolina lack adequate access to quality healthcare, especially in rural areas – partly because South Carolina ranks 40th among the states with just 77.5 physicians per 100,000 residents. Nationally, the number is 90.1 per 100,000.  This problem is compounded by a strong bias in the distribution of those physicians to urban or suburban areas. S. 132 eases this access problem by empowering physician assistants to provide health care services that are commensurate with their increased level of education and training,” said Senator Tom Davis.

“I am proud the General Assembly has passed S. 132, which allows physicians assistants to provide more services to patients throughout South Carolina.  As the lead sponsor of the House version of this bill, this vital legislation represents another step forward in providing quality healthcare and access to services for all South Carolinians,” said Representative Gary Clary.

The PA profession is one of the fastest growing in the country. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the profession will increase 37 percent from 2016 to 2026, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. Currently, there are more than 131,500 PAs practicing in all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories. Today, there are more than 1,600 PAs in South Carolina.

“It is clear that the future of South Carolina’s healthcare can only be met with an increased number of highly qualified physician assistants being an integral part of the process, particularly in rural South Carolina.  This bill was needed to ensure that South Carolina residents’ healthcare needs can be met,” said Senator Hutto.

Additionally the updated law allows for the following:

·         Full prescriptive authority including increased prescriptive authority for Schedule 2 narcotic medications

·         Revision of onsite practice requirement: A PA with less than 2 years of continuous practice or switching specialties must practice with the supervising physician for at least 60 before being allowed to practice at an offsite location, with a limited exception for retail medical clinics.  The 60 day requirement may be waived in writing by the supervising physician

·         1:6 Ratio (Supervising/Collaborating Physician: PA/APRN (can be up to 6 total APPs combined)

·         Chart co-signature requirements determined at the practice level

·         PAs can start practice 10 business days (or earlier if approved) after their scope of practice guidelines are submitted to the board of medical examiners

·         A PA may sign specified documents on behalf of the supervising physician or alternate supervising physician

·         End of life care: pronounce death, certify the manner and cause of death, sign death certificates, issue an order for a patient to receive appropriate services from a licensed hospice, execute a do not resuscitate order

·         Authorization for PAs to delegate a limited list of functions to unlicensed personnel (CMAs)

·         Certify that a student is unable to attend school but may benefit from receiving instruction given in his home or hospital

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About SCAPA
The South Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (SCAPA) is your professional organization and functions as a volunteer association consisting of an Executive Director, Board of Directors, and various committees. Together with other members of the health care team, legislators and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), we are working to eliminate barriers to care and enhance existing healthcare delivery systems. SCAPA serves as the voice of the profession for our state. 

The IRB-approved survey will take less than 30 minutes. Participation is voluntary and no compensation will be provided. All data will be collected confidentially through REDCap, and all information will be coded with a unique identification number so that it cannot be associated with you. The information gathered will be used only for scientific purposes.

You are eligible to participate if you are a clinician with prescribing privileges who works primarily in one of the following fields: primary care, general hospital care (e.g., IM/hospitalist), or surgery (any surgical specialty). You must be currently employed in the United States, over the age of 18, and fluent in English.

Please click on the link below and after completing the informed consent you will be taken to the survey.
CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE or go to http://j.mp/2CzVGmU in your browser.

Direct questions to 512-495-5483 or projectoppp@austin.utexas.edu.

https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2019/02/aapa-federal-advocacy-leads-significant-victories-profession/?utm_source=connections&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news_central

Demonstrating Advanced Practice Provider Value