News & Press https://mass-pa.com/news/default.asp Sat, 6 Jun 2026 13:21:25 GMT Tue, 29 Mar 2022 17:47:00 GMT Copyright © 2022 Massachusetts Association of Physician Associates MAPA Action Alert: 3/29/2022 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=600557 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=600557 MAPA Action Alert: Please Contact the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing TODAY to Urge Swift Passage of S.740: Removing Unnecessary Barriers to Practice for PAs!


MAPA’s top legislative priority this session, S.740, An Act relative to removing barriers of care to physician assistants, remains before the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing (HCF) and has a deadline coming up quickly on March 30th, by which the Committee has to take action on the bill. We thank you for those that have sent emails before. We hope that you will consider sending out a directed email once again.


As you know, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Baker Administration issued a temporary Executive Order allowing PAs to practice without filing a supervising physician with the Commonwealth. This change allowed for greater flexibility for PAs, enabling PAs to be deployed more easily to areas of need, and helped fill some of the urgent staffing shortages that continue to befall the state. It also proved that removing the filing requirement for PAs improved patient care, allowed PAs to better practice at the top of their license, and resulted in no negative consequences. The expiration of the Executive Order removed PA flexibility and in many instances resulted in longer wait times and decreased access to care. In light of enduring staff shortages and decreased access, Governor Baker issued a new Emergency Order in January 2022, which went even further than the original, enabling PAs to practice without filing a supervising physician, even at the practice level.  It is clear that the Baker Administration realized that this flexibility for the PA profession had been critical to increased access and that it was time to do more.
 

S.740 would enshrine this change, permanently modernizing the Mass. General Laws (MGL) to no longer require a registered PA in the Commonwealth to have a supervising physician.
 

We Need Your Help!
We want to ensure that the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing hears from supporters of the bill and reports the legislation favorably out of committee as soon as possible AHEAD of the MARCH 30th DEADLINE.

 
Current Action Steps: 


We are asking you to Reach out TODAY to the Health Care Financing Committee:
 

 

THANK YOU for your support of MAPA and your profession!

 
EMAIL TEMPLATE
 

Re: Requesting a Favorable Report of S.740, An Act relative to removing barriers of care to physician assistants
 

Dear Chairwoman Friedman, Chairman Lawn, and Members of the Committee:
 

My name is [Full Name], and I live at [Address]. I am writing on behalf of the Massachusetts Association of Physician Assistants (MAPA) to request that you report favorably S.740, An Act relative to removing barriers of care to physician assistants, filed by Sen. President Emerita Harriette Chandler  (D-Worcester) and Representative Christine Barber (D-Somerville).
 

There are over 4,000 Physician Assistants (PAs) serving across the Commonwealth, in every medical specialty and setting - diagnosing illnesses, developing and managing treatment plans, prescribing medications, and in MA, often serving as an individual’s primary care provider. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Baker Administration issued a temporary Executive Order allowing for PAs to practice without filing a new supervising physician with the Commonwealth. This change allowed for greater flexibility for PAs, enabling PAs to be deployed more easily to areas of need. It also proved that removing the requirement that PAs file a supervising physician with the Commonwealth improved patient care, allowed PAs to better practice at the top of their license, and resulted in no negative consequences. The expiration of the Executive Order removed PA flexibility and in many instances resulted in longer wait times and decreased access to care. In light of enduring staff shortages and access issues, Gov. Baker reinstated the expansions with a new Emergency Order in January 2022, indicating the continued need for expanded physician assistant practice.
 

S.740 would permanently amend the Mass. General Laws (MGL) to remove the requirement that a registered PA in the Commonwealth file a supervising physician with the state. S.740 would ensure that PAs are able to practice at the top of their license, and that there are no outdated and artificial barriers to their role as qualified healthcare providers in the Commonwealth. While any institution could still require a physician assistant to identify a supervising physician, this bill would remove the overarching requirement that has created unnecessary and burdensome paperwork requirements that have slowed access to care for patients and flexibility for PAs.
 

We urge the Committee to issue a prompt favorable report of S7.40, and by doing so, continue to empower PAs to improve the quality of treatment in the Commonwealth.
 
Thank you very much for your time and I look forward to working together to achieve more equitable health outcomes in Massachusetts. Physician assistants are vital resources to many Commonwealth residents. If you have any questions, please reach out to me via email at [EMAIL] or at [Phone Number].
 

Sincerely,
 

 /s/
 

[Your name ]
[Title and affiliation of signing individual]

]]> Tue, 29 Mar 2022 18:47:00 GMT Alert to Membership Regarding DEA Diversion Control Division Regulations https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=586612 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=586612

Use of a Home Address as a Principal Place of Business or Professional Practice by Individual and Mid-level Practitioners

Pill bottles. Decorative

Dear Registrant,

Pursuant to 28 CFR 50.26 and 50.27, newly approved revised guidance has been posted to the Guidance Document Portal and Question & Answers sections of the Diversion Control Division website. The guidance is also accessible on the Department of Justice Guidance Portal. Links to the specific documents are included below for your convenience.

Document No.: DC-21-052

Document Date: November 3, 2021

Document Title: Use of a Home Address as a Principal Place of Business or Professional Practice by Individual and Mid-level Practitioners

Document Summary: This guidance document addresses issues pertaining to individual and mid-level practitioner’s use of their home address as a principal place of business or professional practice and the home address becoming controlled premises subject to unannounced inspections and administrative warrants under existing Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations.

For further assistance contact DEA Diversion Policy Section at: odlp@dea.gov
]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2021 14:33:32 GMT AAPA Letter to Adm Verma https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=522292 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=522292 A few weeks ago, the AMA and other medical groups sent the attached letter asking CMS to sunset the waivers related to scope of practice and licensure that were put in place during the public health emergency. We take issue with some of the language used and requests made to CMS in this letter so we have signed on to a response written by AAPA.

AAPA Letter to Adm Verma

AMA CMS Waivers Sign On

]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2020 14:12:50 GMT HHS Extends Application Deadline https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=520525 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=520525 HHS Extends Application Deadline for Medicaid Providers and Plans to Reopen Portal to Certain Medicare Providers

As part of its ongoing efforts to provide financial relief to healthcare providers impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), today the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is announcing an application deadline extension for the Phase 2 general distribution to Medicaid, Medicaid managed care, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and dental providers. HHS also plans to allow certain Medicare providers who experienced challenges in the Phase 1 Medicare General Distribution application period a second opportunity to receive funding. Both groups will have until Friday, August 28, 2020 to apply.

"From the start, HHS's administration of the Provider Relief Fund has been focused on distributing funding in a way that is fast, fair and transparent," said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. "Extending the deadline for Medicaid providers and giving certain Medicare providers another shot at funding is another example of our work with providers to ensure as many as possible receive the support they need."

Medicaid, CHIP, & Dental (Phase 2 General Distribution) Deadline Extension

In June, HHS announced the opening of Phase 2 of the General Distribution – a $15 billion allocation – wherein eligible Medicaid, Medicaid managed care, CHIP and dental providers could begin applying for funding of up to 2 percent of reported revenue from patient care. The goal for this opportunity was to reach the remaining providers participating in state Medicaid and CHIP programs that did not receive funding in the Phase 1, Medicare General Distribution, as well as certain dental providers. Since the announcement, HHS has posted resources and hosted a number of webinars targeted at providers and provider organizations to answer questions and assist eligible providers with the application process. The initial deadline of July 20, 2020, was extended to August 3, 2020, based on provider feedback that they learned about the program too close to the deadline and needed more time to complete their application. HHS continues to keep an open line of communication with provider organizations, congressional, state and local leaders, in a collective effort to get the word out about this program, and HHS has learned that a second extension would be beneficial to those providers. By giving providers until August 28, 2020 to apply, HHS is hopeful it has struck the right balance in terms of providing as much flexibility as possible, recognizing the constraints on smaller practices already operating on thin margins with limited administrative staff. HHS will also soon be providing a more simplified application form in response to ongoing dialogue focused on improving the provider experience.

Second Chance for Certain Medicare Providers

Starting the week of August 10, HHS will allow Medicare providers who missed the opportunity to apply for additional funding from the $20 billion portion of the $50 billion Phase 1 Medicare General Distribution. In April, to expedite providers getting money as quickly as possible, as they faced the financial hardships stemming from suspended elective procedures and other COVID-19 related impacts, HHS, utilizing the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services (CMS) payment information, distributed $30 billion directly to Medicare providers proportionate to their share of 2019 Medicare fee-for-service reimbursements. This was part one of the $50 billion Phase 1 Medicare General Distribution which sought to offer providers financial relief equal to 2 percent of their annual revenues. Providers that do not submit comprehensive cost reports with CMS were asked to submit revenue information to a portal to receive the balance of their 2 percent payment of General Distribution funds. Some providers, including many Medicaid, CHIP, and dental providers with low Medicare revenues, did not complete an application by the deadline for this additional $20 billion round of funding. HHS, in its principle of ensuring fairness in the administration of the Provider Relief Fund program, is now giving those eligible providers another opportunity to apply for additional funding. They will have until August 28, 2020, to complete an application to be considered for the balance of their additional funding up to 2 percent of their annual patient revenues.

Payments for Providers Who Had a Change in Ownership

As previously noted, HHS relied on 2019 CMS payment data on file to determine automatic payments for $30 billion of the $50 billion Phase 1 Medicare General Distribution. Accordingly, some providers or provider practices that experienced a change in ownership in 2020 missed out on payments as the payments were distributed to the previous owners. Prior owners are required to return the payments to HHS, if they cannot attest to providing diagnoses, testing, or care for individuals with possible or actual cases of COVID-19 on or after January 31, 2020. For program integrity considerations, previous owners are precluded from transferring funds to new owners who may qualify and can attest to providing care for possible or actual COVID 19 cases. HHS did not reissue returned payments to the new owners and instead promised to give new owners a separate opportunity to apply for provider relief funding. That opportunity is now here. Starting the week of August 10, providers who experienced change in ownership challenges may submit their revenue information, along with documentation proving a change in ownership, by August 28 for consideration for Provider Relief Fund payment.

HHS is currently working to address relief payments to new providers in 2020 along with those that have yet to receive any funding for a variety of reasons, including the fact that they may only bill commercially, or do not directly bill for the services they provide under the Medicare and Medicaid programs and thus did not receive any funding yet. Future announcements will be provided.

For updated information and data on the Provider Relief Fund, visit: hhs.gov/providerrelief.

###
]]> Thu, 6 Aug 2020 14:50:28 GMT MAPA COVID-19 Updates https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=519276 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=519276 Provider Relief Fund Medicaid CHIP Fact Sheet

MH Provider Thank You Letter

]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2020 14:42:04 GMT Provider Relief Fund Medicaid CHIP Fact Sheet https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=517606 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=517606 HERE to view]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2020 14:39:39 GMT Call Your Senator TODAY! https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=514159 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=514159
Please call your State Senator TODAY!
 
The Massachusetts State Senate has just released S.2769, An Act putting patients first. The legislation includes aspects of telemedicine and makes key changes to some healthcare professions – notably granting independent practice authority to Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, and Psychiatric Nurse Mental Health Specialists. The press release issued by the Senate notes that it is meant to codify some of the Emergency Executive Orders put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to make permanent changes that have proved beneficial to patient care and access.

 

A March 2020 Emergency Order removed the requirement that PAs file a supervising physician with the Commonwealth and this has proven very successful in giving hospitals and healthcare institutions increased flexibility and autonomy in how they have leveraged PAs throughout this pandemic. However, PAs are notably MISSING from this legislation and we must ensure that we are included as a valued member of the Massachusetts healthcare landscape.
 
Therefore, we are asking now for your help in securing passage of the below Amendment #33:
  • Amendment 33 to S.2769, Removing Barriers to Care for Physician Assistants, proposed by Senator Harriette Chandler. This amendment would change the current statute governing physician assistant practice by removing the state requirement that a PA practice under a supervising physician.
 
And NOW We Need Your HELP!
 
We want to ensure that as many Senators as possible sign on to Amendment #33 to S 2769 as co-sponsors. The deadline for co-sponsorship is Thursday, June 25th when the bill is taken up on the Senate floor during the formal session.  
 
Current Action Steps:
We are asking you to make ONE call/email today:  
1.    To your current State Senator
 (You can find out who your state senator is by going to www.wheredoivotema.com, by calling (800) 462-VOTE, or by contacting our government affairs consultant Kathryn Jason via email at kjason@charlesgroupconsulting.com)
 
Calling your State Senator:
 
2.    Call your State Senator in the Massachusetts legislature (listed on www.wheredoivotema.com as “State Senator”). It is also fine to speak with an aide. Ask to speak to an aide who is dealing with bills related to health care. 
 
3.    What to say:
a.    I am calling on behalf of the Massachusetts Association of Physician Assistants (MAPA). As a Physician Assistant (PA), and your constituent, I am asking you to sign onto Amendment #33 to S.2769, which is extremely important to me and my profession.
 
4.    Please co-sponsor Amendment #33 filed by Senator Harriette Chandler. This amendment would change the current statute governing physician assistant practice by removing the state requirement that a PA practice under a supervising physician.
 
5.    This change makes permanent aspects of a March 2020 Executive Order issued by DPH which has proven very successful in the 3 months since its issuance.
 
6.    Thank them for their time. If they have any questions, and you are unsure of the answer, simply say you do not know but will call them back. Please contact our government affairs consultant Kathryn Jason at kjason@charlesgroupconsulting.com to help you get the answer.
 
THANK YOU for your support of MAPA and your profession!
]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2020 15:25:34 GMT Removing Barriers to Care for Physician Assistants https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=513961 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=513961 Dear MAPA Members,

First of all we want to thank you for your continued work during the COVID-19 Pandemic and we hope you all are staying healthy.  This has not been an easy few months each and every one of you have stepped up and continually provided the absolute best care to our patients.  You have shown the MA Legislators, healthcare leaders, medical colleagues, and patients what PAs are capable of. 

We have exciting news to share and future work that needs to be accomplished. 

Click here to view the statement

Through the hard work of the MAPA Legislative Team and Charles Group Consulting, we submitted an amendment to the Senate Bill “An Act Putting Patients First” sponsored and filed by Sen. Harriette Chandler as we advance toward Optimal Team Practice.  The filed legislation if passed, will remove barriers to PA practice, increase access to our patients, and decrease unnecessary healthcare costs. 

***We will soon need your help to call and email your elected officials as we work to advance this bill through the Senate, House, and the Governor.  Please pay attention to your emails in the next few days regarding a letter to send to your local elected officials.***

Currently, a PA practicing in Massachusetts must have a “Supervising Physician” on file with the Commonwealth (MGL Chapter 112, Section 9E).  However, the structure of our healthcare systems has changed dramatically in the 50 years since the PA profession was founded in the mid-1960s. When PAs first began practicing, most PAs and physicians worked together directly in a solo or small private practice.  The proposed legislative language would streamline service, increase access to care, bring down healthcare costs, and allow PAs in Massachusetts to practice at the top of their license. Specifically, it would remove the statutory requirement that a PA must file a “Supervising Physician,” providing flexibility for hospitals and individual practices to determine the structure that enables them to provide the best care.

Laws that require a specific relationship between PAs and physicians interfere with their ability to make practice-level decisions about patient care teams.  When a PA isn’t required to have a specific relationship with a physician, PA employers (health systems, hospitals, and group practices) can be more flexible in creating healthcare teams. This will allow them to more effectively meet patient needs.  Ending the relationship requirement between a PA and physician removes physician liability for the care that PAs provide when physicians are not involved. It also reduces physician and employer risk of disciplinary action for administrative reasons.

Numerous studies have shown that PAs provide high-quality patient care and bring value to patients and PA employers.  Eliminating the legal requirement for a specific relationship between a PA and physician will make it easier for PAs to practice in medically underserved communities where there are not enough physicians (and in some cases, no physicians) to care for patients.  PAs would also be able to provide volunteer medical services and respond to disasters and emergencies — situations in which a physician might not be available or willing to enter into a legal arrangement with PAs but immediate care is needed.

Increasing practice flexibility will help ensure that patients are seen in the right setting, by the right provider, at the right time — which can reduce the overall cost of healthcare.  Eliminating disparities between PAs and other healthcare providers in professional regulation and payment arrangements will help modernize PA practice and better meet healthcare needs.

Unlike physicians and advance practice nurses (APRNs), which include NPs, PAs are not eligible for direct payment from Medicare and nearly all commercial insurance payers.  Most payers require that payment be made to a PA’s employer, which can unintentionally limit PA employment opportunities with staffing companies and in certain practice arrangements.  As the healthcare system continues its rapid transformation toward more innovative care models, PAs must have the same reimbursement flexibility enjoyed by other healthcare professionals so they are not disadvantaged in the marketplace.

We are excited to have this amendment filed and look forward to your continued membership and support of MAPA.  Pay attention to your email and our Facebook page over the next few days for additional updates.

 

Stay well,

 

MAPA Legislative Team


Joshua Merson, MS-HPEd, PA-C
President

Sarah Christie, MS, PA-C
Director at Large

Jason Parente, MPAS, PA-C
President-Elect

Cole Turno, MS, PA-C
Director at Large

Duncan Daviau, MS, PA-C
Treasurer

]]> Tue, 23 Jun 2020 15:05:39 GMT Maximizing Healthcare Providers https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=498399 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=498399 Click here to view the latest statement from MA Gov. Charlie Baker
]]> Tue, 31 Mar 2020 14:19:09 GMT CMS Update for Hospice Care https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=480383 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=480383 CME Update to allow PAs to write orders for Hospice]]> Wed, 4 Dec 2019 14:40:25 GMT Vaping Associated Lung Disease https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=470397 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=470397 A number of states have reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cases of severe pulmonary disease in patients who reported “vaping” (i.e., use of e-cigarette devices to aerosolize substances for inhalation) in the weeks and months prior to hospital admission. Patients presented with respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue, which worsened over a period of days or weeks. No other infectious or noninfectious etiologies have been implicated.

 

Click HERE to learn more

]]> Wed, 18 Sep 2019 18:22:01 GMT Clarification on PA Authorized Prescriptions https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466426 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466426
To learn more on this topic, please reference this Notice from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and this MAPA flyer on the topic. If you would like more information, please contact Josh Merson at jmerson@gmail.com. ]]> Tue, 14 May 2019 05:00:00 GMT MAPA Files Bills for the 2019 Legislative Session https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466428 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466428
S.1050/H.1686 An Act Relative to Physician Assistant Non-Competes

S.1137/H.1709 An Act Enabling Physician Assistants to Authorize Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Holds]]> Fri, 29 Mar 2019 05:00:00 GMT 2019 Physician Assistant Advocacy Day https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466427 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466427
Physician Assistant Advocacy Day
Monday, April 1st
Welcoming remarks at 9:15am
(All legislators present will be recognized)

The Massachusetts State House
Grand Staircase
24 Beacon St
Boston, MA 02133

Please join MAPA, Physician Assistants, and students from around the state to learn about the training and work of the Commonwealth’s current and future Physician Assistants!]]> Fri, 29 Mar 2019 05:00:00 GMT MAPA Does Not Support Question 1 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466430 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466430
To find out more about Question 1, please download the attachments below.

Question 1: The Impacts of Mandated Staffing Ratios – Flyer

Question 1 Cost and Quality – Presentation]]> Mon, 8 Oct 2018 05:00:00 GMT MAPA Legislative Update – May 2018 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466432 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466432
MAPA had also sought to pursue these statutory changes through the Governor’s proposed opioid legislation, the CARE Act, An act relative to Combatting addiction, Accessing treatment, Reducing prescriptions and Enhancing prevention.  The Governor had proposed amending these sections of the Mass. General Law to enable more providers to sign for these holds.  However, this legislation was broadly rewritten by the legislative Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse (which is often the case), and the sections we were seeking to amend were removed in this new draft.

Although we were not ultimately successfully in securing these legislative changes this session, we want to thank you for your dedication and advocacy.  Dozens of PAs wrote letters, made phone calls, and reached out to their legislators urging them to move these bills forward and telling personal stories of how much this legislative change could mean to them in their daily work as a PA.  The vast majority of bills do not pass the House and the Senate and become law the first session they are filed.  While it is disappointing that we were not able to secure passage of this bill, you have all laid the groundwork for success as we look ahead, and have raised an issue with dozens of lawmakers that was not previously on their radar.

We will be refiling this legislation in January 2019, at the start of the next formal legislative session, and until then we will be hard at work building our coalition and resources to set us up for success in the next legislative session. MAPA will continue to keep you informed of ways that we can use your help in building the groundwork for this campaign.

Additionally, as we look to the end of the current session, coming up on July 31st, we will continue to look for opportunities to make legislative changes that can positively impact the PA profession and your daily work.  Specifically, we anticipate that the House of Representatives will be taking up healthcare cost containment legislation in the coming month.  We will review this proposed legislation upon its release and will be seeing if there are any MAPA legislative agenda items which we can pursue through this bill. At this time, we ask that you send us any legislative priorities or ideas that you would like to see MAPA pursue this session and next.

Thank you again for your committed advocacy on behalf of PAs and the patients we serve. We will continue to keep you updated as we move ahead in our efforts to secure access to quality care for patients across the Commonwealth.

Please feel free to reach out to Sarah Christie, Immediate Past Presidentt, or to Charlotte Boghossian, one of MAPA’s government affairs consultants, with any questions at all. You can reach Sarah at sarahc.mapa@gmail.com and Charlotte at: cboghossian@charlesgroupconsulting.com.]]> Thu, 31 May 2018 05:00:00 GMT MAPA Action Alert: TIME SENSITIVE!  https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466434 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466434
The legislation MAPA filed this legislative session, H.3205 and S.1085, An Act enabling physician assistants to authorize psychiatric and substance abuse holds, which would allow PAs to sign for Section 12 and Section 35 Holds,must be moved out of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse by its extended deadline – NEXT FRIDAY, May 4th! If action is not taken before this deadline, our bills will not move forward this session.

What to do:
CONTACT the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse via phone or by email. To make this quick and easy, use the template below for your communication.

By PHONE: (617) 722-2060

By E-MAIL:
Chairwoman Denise Garlick 
Denise.Garlick@mahouse.gov

Chairwoman Cindy Friedman 
Cindy.Friedman@masenate.gov

Cc: Robert.Reed@mahouse.gov (Committee staff)

What to Say:
“I am a (practicing PA, etc.) in the Commonwealth and am calling you in support of S.1085/H.3205, which is currently before the Mental Health Committee. This legislation is very important to me because _______ (i.e., I must wait for a physician or someone else to sign paperwork, thus delaying patient access to care, etc.).

I would ask that the Committee report this bill out favorably as soon as possible, ahead of the Deadline of May 4th, 2018”.

We know that many of you have contacted the Committee already, but we ask that you reach out to them again to emphasize why the proposed legislation is important to YOU, PAs practicing in the field.

General Background: 

Mass General Laws, Sections 12 and 35 of Ch. 123, permit the civil commitment of persons posing a risk of serious harm by reason of mental illness or chemical dependency. Under current law, a PA who believes that a patient requires hospitalization by reason of mental illness or chemical dependence must solicit the support of a qualifying medical provider to authorize an emergency hold or petition the courts. Physician Assistants are currently not listed as authorized medical providers to can authorize a civil commitment of a client in an emergency setting. These bills would rectify that oversight.

In addition, feel free to reach out to Sarah Christie, MAPA President, or to Charlotte Boghossian, one of MAPA’s government affairs consultants if you need guidance. You can reach Sarah at sarahc.mapa@gmail.com  and Charlotte at: cboghossian@charlesgroupconsulting.com.

As always, thank you! Your advocacy will help ensure that PAs are able to continue practicing at the top of their license and that patients continue to receive the quality care they deserve.]]> Thu, 26 Apr 2018 05:00:00 GMT MAPA Lobby Day 2018 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466435 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466435 MAPA Lobby Day 2018 was a huge success – 210 students visited the State House to advocate for our bill. Representative Marjorie Decker, the sponsor for our bill, address the standing room only crowd.

]]> Wed, 4 Apr 2018 05:00:00 GMT Extension Granted – Legislative Update on Section 12/35 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466436 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466436
We owe a deep debt of gratitude to Representative Marjorie Decker for her sponsorship of our bill and for her continued support in filing the official request for an extension for the bill.

The extension gives the bill until May 4th. This gives time for the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use & Recovery to consider our bill and hopefully report it out favorably. This will move it on to the next step. We will need to continue to work hard to get the bill on reported out favorably on and certainly will be asking all of you for help in accomplishing this.

The MAPA Lobby Day on Beacon Hill is scheduled for Tuesday, April 3rd. We have over 100 students heading to the State House to talk with Senators and Representatives about our bill and help educate them as to why this is so critical for patients in MA and about the PA profession in general. All PAs are welcome and encouraged to join us for this event. Please contact Charlotte Boghossian at cboghossian@charlesgroupconsulting.com for more information about the event.

We are thrilled to have this extension of our bill and, again, thank Representative Decker for her understanding of the issue, our profession and our contributions to healthcare in Massachusetts. If you would like to thank Representative Decker please email her at: Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.]]> Mon, 26 Mar 2018 05:00:00 GMT Action Alert Update https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466440 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466440
The good news is that while our bill did not move forward out of the Committee, we did receive an extension until March 20, 2018. 

You may also be aware that Governor Baker has filed his own bill, H.4033 An Act relative to combating addiction, accessing treatment, reducing prescriptions and enhancing prevention” (CARE). This bill, among other things, would create a 72-hour hold for involuntary restraint of an individual for transportation to an appropriate treatment facility for alcohol or substance abuse disorder. The Committee granted the extension on our bill as they want to take a closer look at all bills that are similar in intent and language to the Governor’s bill. 

Our next steps include meeting with the Chairs of the committee and continuing to encourage a favorable report on our bill. We will be asking for your support again when we get closer to the March 20th deadline.

We are also closely following the Governor’s bill and are working to ensure that PAs are included in the final language of that legislation so we can continue to care for our patients in every way possible and with every tool.

Thank you again for your advocacy,

The MAPA Legislative Committee]]> Tue, 27 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT New Law Permits PAs to Provide Hospice Care to Medicare Patients https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466439 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466439
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Feb. 9, 2018) – This morning, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law two improvements to Medicare that represent significant victories for PAs and the patients they serve.

The first improvement will allow PAs to manage and provide hospice care to terminally-ill Medicare patients; another will allow PAs to supervise cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs under the Medicare program.

Specifically, the new law modernizes outdated Medicare law with language specific to PAs in the Medicare Patient Access to Hospice Act.

“Literally hundreds of PAs have made the case to members of Congress about the necessity to eliminate the unwarranted restrictions which have prevented PAs from providing hospice care to their Medicare patients. Too many PAs have patients that have been under their care for years who have been forced to choose between continued care and hospice,” said L. Gail Curtis, PA-C, MPAS, DFAAPA, president and chair of AAPA’s Board of Directors. “This new law will empower PAs to offer continuity of care at a time when patients and their families are most vulnerable.”

Medicare beneficiaries throughout the nation, especially those living in rural and other medically underserved communities where PAs may be the sole healthcare professional, will benefit from this important legislation. This change will take effect Jan. 1, 2019.

AAPA is thankful to the Congressional champions who supported this legislative change, including Senators Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Tom Carper (D-DE), and Representatives Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) and Mike Thompson (D-CA).

The new law also includes language from the Improving Access to Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Act, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024, to allow PAs and other advanced practice providers to supervise cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs for Medicare patients.

The Congressional champions for this legislative change include Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Representatives Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) and John Lewis (D-GA).

These healthcare provisions were part of a two-year budget agreement that includes stopgap government funding that runs through March 23, 2018. AAPA will continue to push for additional changes to improve PA practice for the more than 123,000 PAs and the patients they serve.

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About the American Academy of PAs
AAPA is the national organization that advocates for all PAs and provides tools to improve PA practice and patient care. Founded in 1968, AAPA represents a profession of more than 123,000 PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and the uniformed services. Visit www.aapa.org to learn more.]]> Tue, 27 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT MAPA Update & Action Alert: TIME SENSITIVE  https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466441 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466441 We urgently need PAs to contact the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse; e-mail or call in and encourage them to report H. 3205/S.1085 out favorably.

The legislation which MAPA filed this legislative session, H.3205 and S.1085, An Act enabling physician assistants to authorize psychiatric and substance abuse holds, which would allow PAs to sign for Section 12 and Section 35 Holds, must be moved out of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse by the February 7th deadline! If action is not taken before this deadline, our bills will not move forward this session.

Background: 
Mass General Laws, Sections 12 and 35 of Ch. 123, permit the civil commitment of persons posing a risk of serious harm by reason of mental illness or chemical dependency. Under current law, a PA who believes that a patient requires hospitalization by reason of mental illness or chemical dependence must solicit the support of a qualifying medical provider to authorize an emergency hold or petition the courts. Physician Assistants are currently not listed as authorized medical providers to can authorize a civil commitment of a client in an emergency setting. These bills would rectify that oversight.

Current Action Steps:
We would like the Committee to hear from YOU, PAs practicing in the field, as to why the proposed legislative change is important to you.

We are asking you to CONTACT the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse via phone or by e-mail.  We want to make it as easy and fast for you as possible – see below template for your communication. This must be done ASAP as February 7th is approaching fast!

By PHONE: (617) 722-2060
By EMAIL: Chairwoman Denise Garlick: Denise.Garlick@mahouse.gov
Chairwoman Cindy Friedman: Cindy.Friedman@masenate.gov
Cc: Robert.Reed@mahouse.gov (Committee staff)

What to Say:
“I am a (practicing PA, etc.) in the Commonwealth and am calling you in support of S.1085/H.3205, which is currently before the Mental Health Committee.  This legislation is very important to me because ________ (i.e., I must wait for a physician or someone else to sign paperwork, thus delaying patient access to care, etc.).

I would ask that the Committee report this bill out favorably as soon as possible, ahead of the Joint Rule 10 deadline of February 7th, 2018.”

In addition, feel free to reach out to Sarah Christie (sarahc.mapa@gmail.com), MAPA Past-President, or to Charlotte Boghossian (cboghossian@charlesgroupconsulting.com), a MAPA government affairs consultant, if you need guidance.

As always, thank you!

Your advocacy will help ensure that PAs are able to practice at the top of their license and that patients receive the quality care that they deserve.

Download Fact Sheet]]> Wed, 7 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT Amendment to Policy 15-05, Prescribing Practices Policy and Guidelines https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466445 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466445
Previously the regulations stated that physicians were not permitted to delegate the prescribing of buprenorphine to non-physicians.

This is an important change in the BORIM regulations for PAs, NPs and the residents of the Commonwealth. With this change, much needed access to treatment will increase and enhance the Commonwealth’s response to current opioid epidemic.

Download Amendment to Policy]]> Wed, 15 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT Updated on Bills & Hearings https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466446 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466446
We need PAs who would be willing to come to the hearing to speak on behalf of these bills, or to submit written testimony on their behalf.
Background:

Mass General Laws, Sections 12 and 35 of Ch. 123, permit the civil commitment of persons posing a risk of serious harm by reason of mental illness or chemical dependency. Under current law, a PA who believes that a patient requires hospitalization by reason of mental illness or chemical dependence must solicit the support of a qualifying medical provider to authorize an emergency hold or petition the courts. Physician Assistants are currently not listed as authorized medical providers to can authorize a civil commitment of a client in an emergency setting. These bills would rectify that oversight.

We Need Your Help!
We want to ensure that S.1085/H.3205 are reported favorably out of committee.

Current Action Steps: 

MAPA will be at the hearing testifying in support of S.1085/H.3612. However, we would also like the Committee to hear from YOU, PAs practicing in the field, as to why the proposed legislative change is important to you.

We are asking you to CONTACT US if you would be willing to either attend the hearing and testify OR submit written testimony in support of the proposed legislation. We will work with you to draft testimony and submit it – making it as easy and fast for you as possible.

Please reach out to Sarah Christie, MAPA President, or to Kate Saville Worrall, one of MAPA’s government affairs consultants, if you would be willing to work with us to submit comments in support of these regulations.   You can reach Sarah at: SarahC.MAPA@gmail.com.  You can reach Jennifer at: ksaville@charlesgroupconsulting.com.

Thank you! Your advocacy will help ensure that PAs are able to continue practicing at the top of their license and that patients continue to receive the quality care they deserve.]]> Thu, 15 Jun 2017 05:00:00 GMT Action Alert: Proposed Regulations Recognize PAs as Primary Care Clinicians under MassHealth! https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466448 https://mass-pa.com/news/news.asp?id=466448
(1) Proposed Regulations Recognize PAs as Primary Care Clinicians under MassHealth!

As you know, Chapter 224 of the Acts of 2012 (healthcare cost containment legislation) created Chapter 176S of the Massachusetts General Law, enabling PAs to practice as primary care providers in the Commonwealth.  However – in the years since that law was enacted, MassHealth had NOT updated their regulations to include PAs under their regulatory definition of “primary care clinician” – meaning that PAs were excluded from the list of eligible Primary Care Clinicians (PCC) providers under MassHealth.  Members therefore have needed to choose either a physician or nurse practitioner to be a PCC.

We have been working closely with MassHealth to change these regulations.  We firmly believe that MassHealth excluding PAs from the list of eligible PCCs goes directly against the goals of the Commonwealth’s continued focus on the containment of healthcare costs for all citizens of the Commonwealth.

Over the period since then, we have had a number of meetings and conversations with MassHealth, and even filed legislation over the last two legislative sessions that would have mandated them to make these changes.  Finally our work has paid off!

On April 21st, 2017, MassHealth released proposed amendments to their regulations at 130 CMR 433.000, 450.000 and 508.000 that will allow PAs in a group practice with at least one physician to participate in MassHealth as a primary care clinician, and for the group practice to bill for the PA’s services. 

Currently the proposed amendments to the MassHealth regulations are open for public comment, until Friday, May 12th at 5 PM. 

We Need Your Help!
We want to ensure that the proposed amendments to the regulations are maintained and included in the final regulations when they are promulgated.

Current Action Steps:

MAPA will be submitting comprehensive comments in support of these proposed regulations before the end of the comment period.  However – we would also like MassHealth to hear from YOU, PAs practicing in the field -as to why the proposed regulatory change is important to you.

We are asking you to CONTACT US if you would be willing to submit comments in support of the proposed regulations.  We will work with you to draft testimony and submit it – making it as easy and fast for you as possible.

It is CRITICAL for PAs in Massachusetts that these proposed regulations remain intact and that PAs are finally recognized by MassHealth as primary care clinicians.

Please reach out to Sarah Christie, MAPA President, or to Kate Saville Worrall, one of MAPA’s government affairs consultants, if you would be willing to work with us to submit comments in support of these regulations.   You can reach Sarah at: SarahC.MAPA@gmail.com.  You can reach Kate at: ksaville@charlesgroupconsulting.com.

Thank you! Your advocacy will help ensure that PAs are able to continue practicing at the top of their license and that patients continue to receive the quality care they deserve.]]> Mon, 8 May 2017 05:00:00 GMT