- Star Grassroots Advocates
- In November, PAEA Student Health Policy Fellow Marissa Weeks of the University of Bridgeport hosted Sen. Richard Blumnethal (D-CT) at her program. During the visit, Marissa discussed current burdensome documentation requirements for preceptors of PA students with the Senator along with the PA Education Modernization Acts. Great job, Marissa!
- Advancing PAEA’s Advocacy Agenda
- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its 2019 Physician Fee Schedule final rule in November. Unfortunately, despite over 600 comments being submitted to CMS urging the agency to revise current student documentation requirements to allow preceptors to verify student notes, a revision to the existing regulations was not included in the final rule. In the coming weeks, PAEA’s Government Relations team will be developing new strategies to secure a resolution to this issue, and grassroots advocacy from PA educators will be invaluable in this process.
- Throughout November, PAEA has partnered with educators throughout the country to advocate for the inclusion of a provision authorizing PA education research grants in ongoing efforts to reauthorize Title VII of the Public Health Service Act. On behalf of the Government Relations team, thank you to our grassroots advocate network for connecting with your representatives on the critical need for PA education research as the profession continues to grow.
- Health Care News in Washington
- In November, voters went to the polls to elect new representatives to serve in the 116th Congress. In the House, Democrats have secured the majority for the first time in eight years by campaigning on a platform to protect pre-existing conditions and expand access to care. In the Senate, Republicans have strengthened their majority by gaining two additional seats.
- The results of the 2018 midterm elections will have significant implications for health policy. Notable changes in leadership include the likely election of Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) to serve as Chairwoman of the House Energy and Commerce Health subcommittee and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) to serve as Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Health subcommittee.
- Opportunities for Action
- PAEA’s Government Relations team is continuing its efforts to urge Congress to defeat proposals to eliminate Public Service Loan Forgiveness and limit access to Grad PLUS loans for PA students. If you have not already done so, please urge your representatives to protect these crucial programs.
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