On December 21, 2020, the Department of State requested, and Governor Wolf granted, an extension for 90 days of certain license renewal deadlines for licensees under the State Board of Medicine. This moved the deadline from December 31, 2020, to March 31, 2021.

Due to licensees having difficulty meeting the March 31 deadline, the Department requested, and Governor Wolf granted, an additional 30 days to renew for all licensees under the Board of Medicine with a license that was set to expire on December 31, 2020, and who have not yet renewed. Any licensee who has not yet renewed must do so on or before April 30, 2021.

Renewal fees were waived by the Board of Medicine due to a funding surplus, but all licensees are required to complete their renewal to retain their license.

This will be the final extension for these licensees under the State Board of Medicine. 

Visit – pals.pa.gov for license renewals

March 22, 2021

Various measures have been taken to boost the number of health care professionals available to administer COVID-19 vaccines. This includes a Declaration made by the former U.S. Acting Secretary of HHS on March 10, 2020, under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act for Medical Countermeasures Against COVID-19 (PREP Act). That Declaration has since been amended several times.

The current Acting HHS Secretary anticipates that significantly more vaccines will be available to the public in spring and summer 2021 and wants to ensure that states have the greatest flexibility in mobilizing the workforce necessary to engage in what he describes as “the largest vaccination effort in our nation’s history.” As a result, an Amendment to the PREP Act Declaration was issued on March 12, 2021.

The primary purpose of this Amendment was to add additional categories of “qualified persons” covered under the PREP Act to expand the pool of trained professionals available to administer vaccines.

The Amendment identifies several types of actively licensed practitioners, recently retired professionals, and students in health care training programs, who − subject to appropriate training, supervision and certain other specified requirements − may participate in COVID-19 vaccination programs.

In Pennsylvania, this adds a number of professions that would not otherwise be able to administer COVID vaccines, including the following under the State Board of Medicine, the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, the State Board of Dentistry, the State Board of Podiatry, and the State Board of Veterinary Medicine:

• Certified Nurse Midwives
• Dentists
• Dental students
• Optometrists
• Optometry students
• Physician Assistants
• Physician Assistant students
• Podiatrists
• Podiatry students
• Respiratory Therapists
• Respiratory Therapy students
• Veterinarians
• Veterinary students

To administer COVID-19 vaccines and be covered as “qualified persons” under the COVID-19 PREP Act Declaration, those listed above must meet the following training, supervision, and other requirements:

• The vaccine must be authorized, approved, or licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Vaccination must be ordered and administered according to the COVID-19 vaccine recommendation(s) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
• Professionals must have documentation showing that the CDC COVID−19 Vaccine Training ModulesOpens In A New Window were completed, as well as any other training required that may be required by the State Local Tribal Territory (SLTT) where the vaccine is being administered. (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/COVID−19/training.htmlOpens In A New Window)
• Professionals must have documentation of an observation period by a currently practicing healthcare professional experienced in administering intramuscular injections, and for whom administering intramuscular injections is in their ordinary scope of practice. The observer practitioner must confirm competency of the provider in preparation and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine(s) to be administered.
• Professionals must hold current certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). For those who are seeking their first CPR certificate, such certification cannot come entirely from an online course; there must be at least some element of hands-on training.
• Professionals must comply with recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the jurisdiction in which the vaccine is to be administered, including (a) informing the patient’s primary-care provider when available, (b) submitting the required immunization information to the state or local immunization information system (vaccine registry), (c) complying with requirements with respect to reporting adverse events, and (d) complying with requirements whereby the person administering a vaccine must review the vaccine registry or other vaccination records prior to administering a vaccine.
• Professionals must comply with any applicable requirements (or conditions of use) as set forth in the CDC’s COVID-19 vaccination provider agreement and any other federal requirements that apply to the administration of COVID-19 vaccine(s).

For healthcare professionals and students in healthcare professions who do not traditionally find themselves in the role of administering vaccines, additional training is vital. For example, the PREP Act Declaration/Amendments imposes additional training requirements on pharmacy interns and licensed pharmacists who either have not already completed the immunization training that their licensing state requires for pharmacists to order and administer vaccines, or whose licensing state does not specify training requirements for the licensed pharmacist to order and administer vaccines.

In Pennsylvania, the following training requirements apply:

• Certified Nurse Midwives, Dentists, Physician Assistants, and Podiatrists do not need to take a 20-hour ACPE-approved vaccination training program which some licensed pharmacists are required to take.
• Dental students, Physician Assistant students, Podiatry students, Respiratory Therapists, and Respiratory Therapy students who have not yet had training in the administration of injectables, must complete the 20-hour ACPE-approved vaccination training program.
• In addition to requirements under the PREP Act, Optometrists, Veterinarians, and Veterinary students must take and complete a 20-hour ACPE-approved vaccination training program that includes hands-on injection technique and the recognition and treatment of emergency reactions to vaccines.

Any authorized individual looking to enroll as a COVID-19 provider in Pennsylvania needs to complete a provider agreement form. All information for providers, including a copy of this form, can be found on the provider section of the DOH website: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/immunizations/Pages/COVID-19-Vaccine-Providers.aspx

Important Announcement regarding Written Agreements

At today’s State Board of Medicine, the BPOA Commissioner Kalonji Johnson announced the written agreement applications are now available online for the State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic on the PALS website https://www.pals.pa.gov/#/page/default

Paper written agreements will only be accepted until April 30^, 2021.

On the main Medical and Osteopathic Medicine website, instructional packets have been posted. The applications can either be started by the PA or the primary supervising physician. Here are the links for both for each board:

State Board of Medicine Instructions for written agreement initiated by a PA
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/Documents/Board%20Documents/MedM%20-%20Online%20Written%20Agreement%20User%20Guide%20-%20initiated%20by%20Physician%20Assistant.pdf

State Board of Medicine Instructions for written agreement initiated by a Primary supervising physician
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/Documents/Board%20Documents/MedM%20-%20Online%20Written%20Agreement%20User%20Guide%20-%20initiated%20by%20Physician%20and%20Surgeon.pdf

State Board of Osteopathic Medicine Instructions for written agreement initiated by a PA
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/Documents/Board%20Documents/MedM%20-%20Online%20Written%20Agreement%20User%20Guide%20-%20initiated%20by%20Physician%20Assistant.pdf

State Board of Osteopathic Medicine Instructions for written agreement initiated by a PA
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/Documents/Board%20Documents/MedM%20-%20Online%20Written%20Agreement%20User%20Guide%20-%20initiated%20by%20Physician%20and%20Surgeon.pdf

Overall instructions as posted on the Board website:

If you have submitted a paper application and fee to the Board, do not submit the application electronically. This will create a discrepancy and the application fees are non-refundable.

The written agreement application involves a workflow between the supervising physician and physician assistant. When it is time for each party to complete their portion of the application, emails will be sent to the email address on the licensee’s PALS profile. Applications will not be submitted until the final step of making payment. The individual that submits the application will be able to view the application status and respond to discrepancies online. Discrepancies and approvals will be emailed to both the supervising physician and physician assistant. Responses to discrepancies must be uploaded to the application.

Items you will need prior to starting the application: Valid license numbers of the physician assistant, primary supervisor, and substitute supervisor. The primary supervising physician and physician assistant must be under the same Board (Example: Primary supervisor license number starts with MD; physician assistant license number starts with MA). You will need to enter the details describing the functions/tasks to be delegated to the physician assistant, details describing the time, place, and manner of supervision, practice location information, chart review deviation (if applicable), and drug prescribing/dispensing information. This information can be cut and pasted into the fields from templates. The physician assistant will need to upload proof of insurance. Applications can only be submitted with a valid credit card payment. The application initiator will be required to submit the payment.

Written agreements can also be terminated online. Instruction links as follow:
State Board of Medicine:
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/Documents/Board%20Documents/MedM%20-%20Terminating%20a%20Written%20Agreement%20Online.pdf

State Board of Osteopathic Medicine:
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/Documents/Board%20Documents/MedM%20-%20Terminating%20a%20Written%20Agreement%20Online.pdf

The PSPA has already sought further clarification from the Commissioner regarding the online process. If you have questions that you would like PSPA to submit, please send them to pspa@pspa.net by March 19, 2021.

AAPA’s Top Federal Priority Secured in Bipartisan Agreement

December 22, 2020

AAPA commends Congress for passing legislation authorizing PAs to receive direct payment under Medicare as part of the Coronavirus Relief & Omnibus Agreement, which is expected to be signed into law by the president soon.

The PA Direct Payment Act (S.596/H.R. 1052) was included in the omnibus, along with a number of additional changes related to the Medicare program, and will take effect January 1, 2022.

Enactment of the PA Direct Payment Act will place PAs on equal footing with other Medicare providers who can be directly paid for services provided to Medicare patients. Current Medicare policy requires that the employer of a PA be paid for services provided to Medicare patients. However, other health professionals – physicians, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), physical therapists, psychologists, podiatrists, social workers, and others – are permitted to receive direct payment under their own name and National Provider Identifier number.

“The difficulties PAs face as a result of this outdated policy have never been more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said AAPA President and Chair of the Board Beth R. Smolko, DMSc, MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA. “AAPA leadership and advocacy staff have worked tirelessly to make the case to Congress that it was necessary to pass this legislation in order to modernize Medicare and fully utilize the PA workforce when our nation is confronting the pandemic. By including this bill in the omnibus, Congress has demonstrated its commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services provided by PAs. AAPA extends our gratitude to Congress for working to get a bipartisan agreement across the finish line that includes many updates to Medicare policy as well as providing much-needed support to American families and businesses.”

Advocating for passage of the PA Direct Payment Act has been a top priority for AAPA and PA advocates this Congress. Direct payment for PAs is one of the three important legislative pillars of Optimal Team Practice and has been a legislative goal for the organization since 2017. AAPA applauds the primary sponsors of the bill, Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Tom Carper (D-DE) in the Senate and U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) in the House of Representatives, for shepherding this bill through Congress.

Authorizing PAs to be paid directly by Medicare will ensure they can reassign their payments in a manner similar to physicians and APRNs. It will also ensure PAs who own their own practice in accordance with state law will be able to receive direct pay from the Medicare program. The inability to be paid directly hinders PAs from fully participating in the increasing number of emerging models of healthcare delivery. For example, the restriction often impedes PAs from obtaining employment with healthcare staffing companies or group practices used by hospitals to deliver care because PAs cannot reassign their Medicare payments to the hospital.

The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the urgent need for the PA Direct Payment Act to become law by bringing to light many of the obstacles faced by PAs as a result of this outdated policy. This is especially the case in rural areas, where Medicare allows PA-owned rural health clinics (RHCs) to receive Medicare payments in some instances. These PA-owned RHCs are only permitted to receive Medicare payment for bundled RHC primary care services. PA-owned RHCs are required to bear the costs of services not included in the bundled payment. For instance, COVID-19 and flu testing, as well as other laboratory services, are not included in the payment bundle for RHC primary care services.

Another key update to Medicare policy included in the omnibus authorizes PAs in RHCs and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to furnish and bill for hospice “attending physician” services when RHC and FQHC patients become terminally ill and elect the hospice benefit.

Extends License Renewal Deadline For State Board Of Medicine, Reactivations For Retirees And Temporary Practice Permits For Out-Of-State Healthcare Professionals

12/22/2020

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania today announced that it will extend the license renewal deadline for healthcare professionals licensed under the State Board of Medicine, will extend emergency temporary licenses granted to licensed practitioners in other states and jurisdictions and will extend reactivated licenses for retired and inactive Pennsylvania-licensed practitioners.

“As COVID-19 cases increase across Pennsylvania, we must make sure that as many healthcare professionals as possible are able to serve patients,” said Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar. “The Department of State’s goal since the beginning of the emergency disaster declaration is to remove unnecessary administrative barriers for our licensed professionals so they can continue to practice during the pandemic.”

The following license renewal deadlines have been extended:

• The renewal deadline for licensees under the State Board of Medicine is extended by 90 days, to March 31, 2021. Licenses will remain in “active” status on the Department’s website until March 31, 2021.
• The renewal deadline for emergency temporary licenses has been extended to June 30, 2021.
• Previous license reactivation waivers have been extended to allow retired/inactive Pennsylvania practitioners who have reactivated, or wish to reactivate, their Board of Medicine license to assist in the pandemic.
  • If those practitioners who have reactivated licenses are unable to meet the renewal requirements prior to the December 31 deadline, they may still continue to practice after December 31, 2020, and will have until June 30, 2021, to meet the renewal requirements, including the accumulation of sufficient continuing education credits.

Additional information for practitioners regarding these extensions can be found on the Department of State’s website.

A complete list of COVID-19-related guidance for licensed professionals is also available from the Department of State.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania departments of Health and Aging today warned Pennsylvanians about contact tracing scams and emphasized the need to stay alert as COVID-19 remains a threat in our communities. Scams might include a caller asking for someone’s Social Security number or payment for tracing services – neither of which are ever a component of a contact tracing inquiry.

“Contact-tracing is vital in the state’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and we want Pennsylvanians to be confident that if they receive a call from a contact-tracer that the call is legitimate,” Sec. of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “If someone is unsure and would like to verify if the caller does in fact work in contact tracing, they can call the PA Department of Health at 1-877-PA HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) to verify.”

Across the state, the goal is that within 24 hours of receiving the positive result reported into the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS), trained public health staff conduct an interview for a case investigation with the newly confirmed COVID-19 case to obtain a list of close contacts they had while infectious.

Then contact tracers, both trained staff and volunteers, reach out to those close contacts to educate, inform and offer support. Methods used, after initial phone call, may include phone calls, texts, emails and mailings.

Contact tracers will not say who exposed the individual in order to keep their information confidential. Contact tracing is the process of identifying people who have come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 so that they can quarantine and monitor for symptoms. Scammers are attempting to take advantage of how this process works by pretending to be contact tracers and trying to get personal information out of victims through phone calls or electronic messages.

A contact tracer may ask:

• For verification of your date of birth, address, and any other phone numbers you may have; and
• If you have already tested positive for COVID-19 they may also ask for the date and location of where you were tested.

A contact tracer will never ask for:

• Your social security number, financial or bank account information, or personal details unrelated to your potential exposure to someone with COVID-19;
• Personal information through SMS/text message or send you to any website link asking for personal information;
• Photographs or videos of any kind;
• Passwords; or
• Money or payment.

A contact tracer will never share your information with any local, state or federal law enforcement agency.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Robert Torres noted that older adults are at particular risk of being victims of this insidious type of scam.

“Scammers prefer to prey on individuals who may be more trusting, are alone, or may respond out of confusion or fear,” said Sec. Torres. “COVID-19 has isolated many older adults from family and other supports. Therefore, it’s understandable that an older adult, hearing that they may have been exposed, would want to cooperate with any effort to protect themselves or a loved one. However, it’s important that they stay alert about any contact from anyone identifying themselves as a contact tracer and do not provide personal information until they are sure the individual and information are legitimate.”

Please visit the Department of Health website for more information on the contact tracing process and contact tracing frequently asked questions.

Pennsylvanians are reminded that mask-wearing is required when visiting businesses or in any setting outside the home where social distancing is difficult. Remember: My mask protects you; your mask protects me.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

 All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

 MEDIA CONTACT: Nate Wardle, Health, 717-787-1873 or ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
Jack Eilber, Aging, 717-214-7510 or agingcomms@pa.gov

Last week, many of us were shocked to see the images coming out of Minneapolis, showing the senseless death of George Floyd.  Since then, hundreds of thousands of Americans have spoken out against this episode of violence and raised awareness of the presence of widespread racism in our country.  Protests have occurred across the US and within our state of Pennsylvania.  As an organization, we grieve with our colleagues, patients, friends, and family who have been the victims of racist acts, including those whose experiences were not witnessed, or captured on a cell phone, and who kept silent about the injustices they endured.

Unfortunately, racial issues are not new. As an organization, we unequivocally believe that racism in any form is not to be tolerated…EVER. As providers, devoted to the health and welfare of all in our community, we must advocate for each of our patients and against hate and discrimination. As educators, it is our responsibility to continue to train the next generation of PAs regarding health disparities in all forms and to work to eliminate personal biases that might jeopardize the provision of the best care possible for each and every patient. As friends and family, we must reach out to those who are hurting, speak up for the voiceless, and support those on whom some in society have turned their backs.  In the words of Abhijit Naskar, “Color doesn’t define character, culture doesn’t define character, creed doesn’t define character, only conduct does.” When our children look back on this era in history, they will define our character based on our response and our actions.

If you are interested in learning more on these topics, here are some resources that you may find helpful:

Advancing Health Equities Series (from Optum Health) – https://www.optumhealtheducation.com/wellness/advancing-health-equity?fbclid=IwAR24PWkVSxqTD5g8BHUFnp7KKD1EQjqLSJk8Jeci0tE58F2UlCldliIv9qk#group-tabs-node-course-default1

Racism and Its Impact on Health and Wellbeing (from Seattle Children’s) – https://www.seattlechildrens.org/healthcare-professionals/education/grand-rounds/online/racism-impacts-health-well-being/?fbclid=IwAR1B1WH297FMVrsWb2N33t0wBlq-31h8PidE4h4BXgb9yQCdS20suFNb3pc

A Physician’s Practical Guide to Culturally Competent Care (despite the name, this course is also designed for PAs as well!) – https://cccm.thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/default.asp

Physician Assistants for Health Equity – http://stop-disparities.org/PAHE-RESOURCE.html

Evidence-Based Prescribing: Tools You Can Use to Fight the Opioid Epidemic

The Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) is offering an education curriculum for prescribers on best practices for using the PDMP and on how to address substance use disorder with patients. The PDMP invites you to participate in these complimentary courses that will address the following topics:

• Module 1: Why Using the PDMP is Important for Achieving Optimal Health
• Module 2: How to Integrate the Use of the PDMP into the Workflow to Make Clinical Decisions
• Module 3: Using the PDMP to Optimize Pain Management
• Module 4: Opioid Prescribing Guidelines
• Module 5: Referral to Treatment for Substance Use Disorder Related to Opioid Use
• Module 6: Approaches to Address Patients’ Substance Use Disorder
• Module 7: Effective Opioid Tapering Practices

Visit the PDMP education website for more information and full course offerings

Education modules are hosted online by TRAIN PA – you can find them by clicking on the link or searching for “PA-PDMP” in the course catalog. You may also be eligible to receive on-site education through PDMP contracted educators. This education is provided at no cost to you by the PDMP, and continuing medical education (CME) credits are available to qualifying participants.

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has designated a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for each module. The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution.

Additionally, the modules can be used to meet the following CME requirements:

• Act 124 Pain Management: Module 3
• Act 124 Prescribing Practices for Opioids: Modules 4 and 7
• Act 124 Identification of Addiction: Modules 5 and 6
• Patient Safety/Risk Management: Modules 1–7

Note: A provider cannot use the same module to meet both the Act 124 and Patient Safety/Risk Management requirements.

Please reach out to ra-dh-pdmpedu@pa.gov with any questions.