Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants

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Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants

Member Login Join or Renew
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Purpose
    • Officer Directory
    • Officer’s Responsibilities
      • President
      • President Elect
      • Immediate Past President
      • Treasurer
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      • Committee Information
      • Committee Annual Reports
      • AAPA House Delegates
      • Awards Committee
      • Conference Planning Committee
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      • Finance Committee
      • Governmental Affairs Committee
      • Health Disparity Committee
      • Historian
      • Leadership & Mentoring Committee
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News

DOS eases reactivation of physician assistant license

Posted on March 25, 2020 by PSPA

03/25/2020

Pennsylvania to Allow Retired Health Care Professionals to Bolster COVID-19 Response

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania is acting to enable retired health care professionals to assist with the COVID-19 response by waiving certain licensing regulations.

Previously, the Department of State waived some regulations for nurses, removed barriers for pharmacies to provide services, and announced that in-state and out-of-state health care practitioners can treat patients via telemedicine during the coronavirus emergency.

“Many retired and inactive health care professionals want to help bolster our health care system during this crisis,” Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar said. “This action will allow people with inactive or retired licenses in good standing to reactivate their licenses and immediately lend their assistance in this challenging time. We thank these retirees for their willingness to serve.”

The Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) requested, and Governor Wolf granted, suspensions of several regulations related to the state boards of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy for the duration of the coronavirus emergency. A previous suspension allows for retired nurse-midwife license reactivations.

These new regulation suspensions increase the number of available and qualified health care practitioners in Pennsylvania by allowing retired practitioners to re-enter their field more easily without paying reactivation fees:

  • State Board of Medicine licensees who are in active/retired status for less than four years can apply for reactivation of their license. Their continuing education (CE) requirements and license reactivation fees will be suspended. This measure allows these practitioners’ licenses to become active unrestricted until Dec. 31, 2020.  If a licensee wishes to continue practicing beyond Dec. 31, 2020, the licensee will need to renew the active-unrestricted license and meet all current requirements at that time.
  • Medical Doctors (MDs) and certain allied health professionals integral to providing care during this state of emergency, whose licenses are expired/inactive for less than four years, may apply for reactivation of their licenses. Their CE requirements and license reactivation fees will be suspended.  This measure allows retired/inactive MDs, physician assistants, respiratory therapists and perfusionists to become active until December 31, 2020.
  • State Board of Osteopathic Medicine licensees who are in active/retired status for less than four years can apply for reactivation of their licenses. Their CE requirements and license reactivation feels will be suspended.  This measure allows retired/inactive Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) to become active unrestricted until Oct. 31, 2020. If a licensee wishes to continue practicing beyond that date, the licensee would need to renew the active-unrestricted license and meet all current requirements at that time.
  • DOs and certain allied health professionals integral to providing care during this state of emergency, whose licenses are expired/inactive for less than four years, can apply for reactivation of their licenses. Their CE requirements and license reactivation fees will be suspended. This measure, which applies to retired/inactive DOs, physician assistants, respiratory therapists and perfusionists, allows those individuals to become active until October 31, 2020.
  • Registered Nurses (RNs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), and Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs) whose licenses are expired/inactive for less than five years can apply for reactivation of their licenses. Their CE requirements and license reactivation fees will be suspended.
  • Pharmacists whose licenses are expired/inactive for less than four years can apply for reactivation of their licenses. Their CE requirements and license reactivation fees will be suspended.

Last week, BPOA announced that in-state and out-of-state health care practitioners can treat patients via telemedicine during the coronavirus emergency.

The Department of State is working with the governor’s office, the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services to identify regulations and requirements that can be suspended to give medical providers and facilities the flexibility they need to respond to COVID-19. The Department of State website will be updated regularly as additional requirement suspension information becomes available.

For all inquiries, please use the email addresses found here: Board Contact Information

 

Link for regulatory updates for Department of State:
https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/State-details.aspx?newsid=379

Link to form to reactivate your physician assistant license under the State Board of Medicine:
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/Documents/Applications%20and%20Forms/Reactivation%20and%20Renewal%20Forms/RMedApp%20-%20Allied%20Health%20-%20Medical%20Reactivation.pdf

Link to form to reactivate your physician assistant license under the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine:
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/OsteopathicMedicine/Documents/Applications%20and%20Forms/Applications/ROstApp%20-%20Allied%20Health.pdf

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Some License Requirements for Qualified Physicians Assistants Are Suspended During Coronavirus Emergency

Posted on March 22, 2020 by PSPA

March 22, 2020

Some License Requirements for Qualified Physicians Assistants Are Suspended During Coronavirus Emergency

In order to allow physician assistants practicing under the state Board of Osteopathic Medicine to more easily and effectively assist with emergency response efforts to COVID-19, Governor Wolf granted the Department of State’s request to suspend requirements pertaining to written agreements and several other items. The following requirements are suspended:

  • The Osteopathic Medical Practice Act restricts physicians to the supervision of four physician assistants, but they can apply for a waiver from the state board of Osteopathic Medicine to supervise more. Governor Wolf has suspended both the ratio and waiver requirements.
  • The requirement is suspended that all physicians with whom a physician assistant is assisting be named on the written agreement. Only one primary and one substitute physician will need to be named.
  • The board regulations that require contact information for at least two substitute supervising physicians are suspended because if a primary physician and substitute physician are named, their contact information will be in the Department of State’s PALS system.
  • The requirement that written agreements receive board approval is suspended. Written agreements will be effective upon submission to the board.
  • The requirement is suspended that temporary authorization to practice be issued for up to 120 days upon board receipt of a complete written agreement. o Countersignature requirements outlined in the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act will be suspended, provided that the number of patient records reviewed is sufficient to assure adequate review of the physician assistant’s scope of practice.
  • Board regulations that require countersignature from a physician within 10 days and at least weekly review by a physician of medical records prepared by a physician assistant are suspended.
  • The requirement that the board must approve use of a physician assistant at “satellite operations” is suspended. This will allow more physician assistants to practice wherever they are needed during the disaster declaration.

In addition, after review, the department determined that no suspensions pertaining to written agreements are required for physician assistants practicing under the Pennsylvania Board of Medicine.

This allowance is due to an emergency medical services clause in their regulations that permits licensed physician assistants to respond to a need for medical care created by a declared state of emergency by rendering care consistent with relevant standards of care. It applies to physician assistants licensed in Pennsylvania and physician assistants licensed or authorized to practice in any other state.

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Pennsylvania State of Emergency Declaration

Posted on March 21, 2020 by PSPA

Pennsylvania State of Emergency Declaration

Preliminary Announcement Regarding PA Regulatory Relief

After thorough review, the Pennsylvania Department of State determined that Physician Assistants that practice under the Pennsylvania Board of Medicine do not require a waiver pertaining to written agreements and may render care consistent with relevant standards. This allowance is due to an emergency medical services clause in the Board of Medicine regulations. The emergency service clause permits licensed physician assistants to respond to a need for medical care created by a declared state of emergency by rendering care consistent with relevant standards of care. The clause is under section 18.162 of the Board of Medicine regulations and specifically states as follows:

“A physician assistant licensed in this Commonwealth or licensed or authorized to practice in any other state who is responding to a need for medical care created by a declared state of emergency or a state or local disaster (not to be defined as an emergency situation which occurs in the place of one’s employment) may render care consistent with relevant standards of care.”

Physician Assistants practicing under the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine require a suspension of the requirements pertaining to written agreements, which must be issued by the Governor. The Department crafted this request and submitted it for approval to the Governor’s Office on 3/20/20. That approval is pending. We hope to hear something in the next few days.

A formal announcement will be posted on the Department of State website under the newly created section regarding regulatory relief. It can be found at  https://www.dos.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Stay tuned for further information as it becomes available. Thanks to all PAs for their patience in this complicated emergency regulatory process. Also, thanks to you and all health care providers for your tireless efforts and dedication to the citizens of Pennsylvania.

Read More

News release from Governor on permitting telemedicine

Posted on March 19, 2020 by PSPA

03/18/2020

Licensed Health Care Practitioners Can Provide Telemedicine Services to Pennsylvanians During Coronavirus Emergency

Harrisburg, PA — Health care professionals licensed under any of the Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) licensing boards can provide services to patients via telemedicine during the coronavirus emergency.

“Telemedicine provides health care professionals flexibility to continue treating their patients while following best practices on social distancing as outlined by the Department of Health,” Secretary Boockvar said. “The department requested, and Governor Wolf granted us, the authority to allow health care professionals from out-of-state to treat Pennsylvania residents using telemedicine, when appropriate, due to COVID-19.”

This new guidance applies to the following boards:

  • Chiropractic
  • Dentistry
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Optometry
  • Pharmacy
  • Podiatry
  • Psychology
  • Osteopathic Medicine
  • Nursing Home Administrators
  • Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure
  • Physical Therapy
  • Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors
  • Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
  • Veterinary Medicine

Currently, no Pennsylvania law prohibits the practice of telemedicine.

Additionally, the department is working with the governor’s office, the Department of Health and Department of Human Services to identify regulations and requirements that can be suspended to give medical providers and facilities the flexibility they need to respond to the crisis. We will publish these notifications on our website as they become available.

Governor Wolf also granted the department’s request for a suspension to allow licensed practitioners in other states to provide services to Pennsylvanians via the use of telemedicine, without obtaining a Pennsylvania license, for the duration of the emergency. Out-of-state practitioners must:

  • be licensed and in good standing in their home state, territory or country.
  • provide the Pennsylvania board from whom they would normally seek licensure with the following information prior to practicing telemedicine with Pennsylvanians:
    • their full name, home or work mailing address, telephone number and email address; and
    • their license type, license number or other identifying information that is unique to that practitioner’s license, and the state or other governmental body that issued the license.

Please submit the information requested above to the appropriate board resource account listed on the BPOA website.

All practitioners using telemedicine in Pennsylvania must remain informed on all federal and state laws, regulations and guidance regarding telemedicine, including a practitioner’s obligations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and recent guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesOpens In A New Window.

Authorization to engage in telemedicine from a professional licensing standpoint is separate and apart from any insurance coverage/payment issues that fall under the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Insurance, or any other state or federal agency.

The Department of Human Services issued guidance for Behavioral Health Services Telemedicine here. The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs released Telehealth guidance for their programs and providers here

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PSPA statement regarding coronavirus, COVID-19

Posted on March 15, 2020 by PSPA

Our top priority is and will continue to be the health and well-being of the citizens of Pennsylvania and the many dedicated members of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants. We are committed to safety first, so out of concern for our members and the patients they meet and treat daily throughout the Commonwealth, the Board of Directors has decided to suspend all in-person events for a period of at least 30 days from March 14, 2020.

Examples of in-person events may include: regional dinner meetings, committee meetings, liaison meetings, director meetings, etc.

Please… vigilance is of vital importance. Educate all those you meet.  Here are some facts regarding COVID-19.

  • Coronavirus is a group of diverse, common viruses that includes some causes of the common cold. The new strain that originated in China is called SARS CoV 2 and causes COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 can present with symptoms between two and 14 days following exposure.
  • Symptoms can be similar to a cold or flu with fever, cough and shortness of breath.
  • Human coronaviruses spread the same way the flu or a cold does:
    • Droplets traveling through the air by coughing or sneezing
    • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
    • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it
  • Precautionary measures for COVID-19 are similar to those of other viruses like the flu. The best way to stay healthy is through diligent respiratory hygiene:
    • Frequent handwashingis highly recommended, especially after coughing or visiting public areas.
    • Alcohol-based sanitizers and wipesare also good options for hand hygiene, as long as they have at least 60% alcohol.
    • Covering your mouth when coughingis an important way to stop the spread of viruses like COVID-19 and others that are spread through droplets.
    • Clean and disinfectfrequently touched objects with disinfectant household wipes or sprays.
  • If you are feeling sick or showing signs of an illness, we recommend acting with an abundance of caution and staying home and calling your provider for additional instructions. They can recommend proper treatment and, if necessary, alert public health officials.

Thank you to our fellow PAs and other healthcare providers who are on the frontlines and working tirelessly for our patients.  Your hard work and sacrifices do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.  We must all continue to support each other, however possible during this unprecedented time.  The PSPA leaders will continue to monitor the COVID-19 events and update you when appropriate.  We appreciate your flexibility as we all seek the best course of action in these extraordinary times.

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Opioid Treatment Agreements (Act 112 of 2019)

Posted on March 10, 2020 by PSPA

What is Act 112?

Act 112 of 2019 requires prescribers in Pennsylvania to educate their patients and establish treatment agreements with their patients before issuing the first prescription in a single course of treatment for chronic pain with a controlled substance containing an opioid.

Act 112 of 2019 requires prescribers to:

  • Assess whether the patient has taken or is currently taking a prescription drug for treatment of a substance use disorder.
  • Counsel the patient on treatment goals, expectations, benefits, and risks.
  • Obtain the consent of the patient for targeted urine testing.
  • Include the brand name or generic name, quantity and initial dose of the controlled substance medication containing an opioid being prescribed.
  • Ensure the patient understands the prescriber and patient treatment responsibilities and the prescribing policies of the practice.
  • Ensure the patient understands that a controlled substance medication containing an opioid has a potential for abuse, the associated risks of addiction and overdose, increased risk factors of addiction, the dangers of taking a controlled substance medication containing an opioid with benzodiazepines, alcohol or other central nervous system depressants, and other information deemed appropriate by the prescriber under 21 CFR 201.57(c)(18).
  • Discuss the efficacy, risks, and benefits of other treatment options; if applicable.

View the Temporary Regulations for Act 112 of 2019 (submitted for publication in the PA Bulletin on March 7, 2020, subject to change).

Resources

For Prescribers:

  • Sample Treatment Agreement
  • Requirements of Act 112 and Considerations for Prescribers
  • Act 112 Questions and Answers
  • Act 112 of 2019 Treatment Agreement Checklist

For Patients:

  • Opioid Use and Safety
  • What is Act 112 and Questions to Ask Your Provider
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New Elements of Performance

Posted on March 10, 2020 by PSPA

Effective March 15, 2020 – New Joint Commission Elements of Performance Removes the term Licensed dependent Practitioner from restraint and seclusion standards

The new Elements of Performance:

PC.03.05.05
The hospital initiates restraint or seclusion based on an individual order.

Elements of Performance for PC.03.05.05
1. A physician, clinical psychologist, or other authorized licensed independent practitioner primarily responsible for the patient’s ongoing care orders the use of restraint or seclusion in accordance with hospital policy and law and regulation.

www.jointcommission.org/-/media/tjc/documents/standards/…

This is in response to A Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) final rule, Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Regulatory Provisions to Promote Program Efficiency, Transparency, and Burden Reduction, published 9/30/19 that removed the modifying word “Independent”, changing the term “Licensed Independent Practitioner” to “Licensed Practitioner” in Federal regulations to clearly demonstrate that PAs are authorized to order restraint and seclusion.

Hospital bylaws and policies, state laws and regulations, and PA practice agreements and granted privileges may need to be updated to authorize PAs to order restraint and seclusion.

Per AAPA Advocacy

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