What an extraordinary couple of weeks we’ve had. In less than two weeks, our communities have changed in unimaginable ways. As COVID-19 continues to bombard hospitals and clinics, a sincere thanks must go out to all the PAs for the countless number of hours they are dedicating to this crisis.
Given the unpredictable nature of our current circumstances, PAs need to be able to treat patients unfettered. At CAPA, we have been furiously working behind the scenes to remove barriers that are preventing PAs from practicing to their fullest professional extent.
On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, CAPA sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom urging him to issue an executive order permitting California licensed PAs to practice according to their experience and training during this declared emergency. A copy of the letter is provided
here.
The letter covers the following main points:
- There are currently four state laws impeding California PAs in their patient care during an emergency.
- California PAs’ capacity to provide care is limited by legal and regulatory confusion.
- An explanation of statutes that New York and thirteen other states have enacted into law in support of PAs’ patient care during emergencies.
- The reasons why expanding access to PAs is critical to address the current crisis.
Copies of this letter were also sent to agency heads relevant to championing the issue, including, but not limited to:
Secretary, Mark Ghaly, MD
California Health and Human Services Agency
Public Health Officer and Director, Sonia Angell, MD, MPH
California Department of Public Health
President, Denise Pines
Medical Board of California
President, Jed Grant, PA-C
Physician Assistant Board
Critical conversations have already begun and good questions are being asked. As CAPA pushes through this important endeavor, we will update you on our progress. In the meantime, I encourage you to share with CAPA your stories about your work on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. Our legislators and the community need to hear about the vital work you do!
Sincerely,
