November 2023
Because of you, the PA profession had a major win!
Thanks to an outpouring of letters and comments in opposition to the Alaska State Medical Board’s (SMB) proposed PA regulation changes, the regulations were tabled during the Friday, November 17 quarterly meeting. In total, 163 unduplicated individual comments were submitted in opposition. Those included 64 PAs, 25 MD/DOs, and 12 RN/NPs.
During the meeting PA Sarah Bigelow-Hood proposed that the PA regulation changes be tabled. Her proposal also called for the SMB to form a new work group including ASMB members, AKAPA board members, and other public stakeholders to further discuss and identify new recommended changes for PA regulations. Dr. Heilala seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously in favor.
AKAPA is grateful that the board took time to review all the oral and written comments. Many took time out of their personal schedules to dive into how PAs are utilized in the Alaskan Healthcare system, proof that the system in place worked to stop these changes from moving forward without input from Alaskans.
**Feb 2024 Update** The SMB will discuss proposed members of working group to update current PA regulations at its next scheduled board meeting on February 16th.
**April 2024 Update** The SMB has placed the proposed working group on hold until further notice.
