Thank you all for rallying in opposition to the Alaska State Medical Board’s (ASMB) proposed PA regulation changes last month.  We had 163 unduplicated individual comments in opposition.  Those included 64 PAs, 25 MD/DOs, and 12 RN/NPs. 

At the quarterly meeting on Friday, November 17^th, 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. 

We look forward to continuing modernization of PA practice in Alaska through our state regulations and statutes.