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
      • Secretary
      • Directors at Large
      • Student Directors at Large
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    • Blog
    • Newsletters
    • PSPA News Brief
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    • Overview
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    • For Students
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    • Join PSPA
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      • Insurance Benefits
    • Member Directory
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    • Gift Memberships
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    • Overview
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      • Committee Information
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News

Coronavirus Relief & Omnibus Agreement Authorizes PAs to Receive Direct Payment Under Medicare

Posted on December 23, 2020 by PSPA

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“The difficulties PAs face as a result of this outdated policy have never been more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said AAPA President and Chair of the Board Beth R. Smolko, DMSc, MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA.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.

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Pennsylvania Cuts Red Tape Again To Help Health Care Professionals Fight COVID-19

Posted on December 23, 2020 by PSPA

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.

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Wolf Administration Reminds Pennsylvanians of Importance of Contact Tracing, Advises of Possible Scams

Posted on September 2, 2020 by PSPA

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

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PSPA Stands Against Racism – Today and Always

Posted on June 5, 2020 by PSPA

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

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Gov. Wolf Signs Executive Order to Provide Civil Immunity for Health Care Providers

Posted on May 6, 2020 by PSPA

Gov. Wolf Signs Executive Order to Provide Civil Immunity for Health Care Providers

https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/gov-wolf-signs-executive-order-to-provide-civil-immunity-for-health-care-providers/

Today, Governor Tom Wolf signed an executive order to afford health care practitioners protection against liability for good faith actions taken in response to the call to supplement the health care provider workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the course of the pandemic and the disaster declaration associated with it, the Wolf Administration has used its authority under the declaration to suspend a significant number of regulations and regulatory statutes to supplement the health care workforce, including facilitating the deployment of retirees and out-of-state health care professionals, expanding scope of practices and relaxing supervision requirements for numerous health care licensees, bringing in health care professionals who have not previously maintained liability coverage, and calling upon health care providers to perform acts they would not perform in the ordinary course of business.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic has required the Wolf Administration to take broad action to respond to and prepare for Pennsylvanians’ critical health care needs, so too has it required our health care providers to broaden their professional responsibilities and experiences like never before,” Gov. Wolf said. “This Executive Order to Enhance Protections for Health Care Professionals serves to protect the individuals serving on the front lines of the disaster response.”

The executive order:

  • Grants immunity to any individual who holds a license, certificate, registration or certification to practice a health care profession or occupation in Pennsylvania and who is engaged in providing COVID-19 medical and health treatment or services during the COVID- 19 disaster emergency response. Immunity does not extend to acts or omissions that constitute a crime, gross negligence, or fraud, malice, or other willful misconduct;
  • Extends immunity to those medical professionals in Pennsylvania that provide services in any health care facility as defined by the Health Care Facilities Act, as well as any nursing facility, personal care home, assisted living facility or any alternate care site, community-based testing site or non-congregate care facility used for the purpose of conducting emergency services activities or the provision of disaster services activities related to the Commonwealth’s COVID- 19 disaster emergency response;
  • Affirms immunity for any person, organization or authority allowing real estate or other premises used for emergency services without compensation in the case of death, injury, or loss or damage to the property of any person who is on the premises for the purpose of those emergency services; and
  • Suspends or removes a host of regulatory barriers that would otherwise impede or prevent out-of-state, retired or other qualified practitioners from providing services where needed in the Commonwealth.

The order was written in response to stakeholders requesting civil immunity for health care practitioners practicing with good judgment under very challenging circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic. The executive order also is in line with actions neighboring states have taken and is responsive to the needs and requests of the health care community.

This order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect for the duration of the disaster emergency.

 

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

Posted on June 5, 2018 by pspa

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.

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ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE PENNSYLVANIA MEDICAL AND OSTEOPATHIC BOARDS REGARDING ADDITIONAL CME REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE

Posted on September 18, 2017 by pspa

Opioid prescribing CME courses: https://cme.aapa.org/opioidrems.aspx
                                                             https://www.medscape.org/sites/advances/long-acting-opioids

VERIFICATION OF OPIOID EDUCATION FOR
MEDICAL PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT APPLICATIONS AND RENEWALS
SUBMITTED AFTER JULY 1, 2017

Section 9.1(a) of ABC-MAP* requires that all prescribers or dispensers, as defined in Section 3 of ABC-MAP, applying for licensure/certification complete at least 4 hours of Board-approved education consisting of 2 hours in pain management or the identification of addiction and 2 hours in the practices of prescribing or dispensing of opioids. Medical physician assistants, who hold prescriptive authority approval fall within ABC-MAP’s definition of prescribers or dispensers.

Requirements for initial applicants

Medical physician assistants seeking prescriptive authority approval on or after July 1, 2017, must document, within one (1) year from issuance of the license or prescriptive authority approval, that they completed this education either as part of their professional degree education program, or through a stand-alone course. The four (4) hours of Board-approved education needs to be completed only once.

Where this education is part of the professional degree educational program, verification of completion from the Program may be included within the Verification of Graduation from a Physician Assistant Program for medical physician assistants.

New initial PA license forms were published August of 2017 on the State Board of Medicine website http://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/Pages/default.aspxunder general board information.

Renewals

In order for medical physician assistants to renew their license or prescriptive authority approval for the next renewal period, section 9.1(a)(2) of ABC-MAP requires that they complete at least two (2) hours of continuing education in pain management, the identification of addiction or the practices of prescribing or dispensing of opioids. The continuing education requirements of ABC-MAP will count towards the total number of continuing education credits required for renewal.  For medical physician assistants, this continuing education must be acceptable for credit by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Allopathic physician assistant licenses expire December 31 of every even-numbered year. The Board mails renewal notices two to three months prior to the license expiration date. Notices are mailed to the most recent address that was reported to the Board.  The Postal Service does not forward licenses.

 

*The Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Program Act (ABC-MAP) (also known as Act 124 of 2016), 35 P.S. § 872.3, is available on the Legislature’s website at:http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/li/uconsCheck.cfm?yr=2016&sessInd=0&act=124

 

      VERIFICATION OF OPIOID EDUCATION FOR OSTEOPATHIC
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT APPLICATIONS AND RENEWALS
SUBMITTED AFTER JULY 1, 2017

Section 9.1(a) of ABC-MAP* requires that all prescribers or dispensers, as defined in Section 3 of ABC-MAP, applying for licensure/certification complete at least 4 hours of Board-approved education consisting of 2 hours in pain management or the identification of addiction and 2 hours in the practices of prescribing or dispensing of opioids. Osteopathic physician assistants fall within ABC-MAP’s definition of prescribers or dispensers.

Requirements for initial applicants

Osteopathic physician assistants must document within one (1) year from issuance of the license that they completed this education either as part of their professional degree education program and its completion attested to when applying for renewal. The four (4) hours of Board-approved education needs to be completed only once.

Where this education is part of the professional degree educational program, verification of completion from the Program may be included within the Verification of Graduation from a Physician Assistant Program for osteopathic physician assistants. The Verification forms will be available on the website at http://www.dos.pa.gov/ost.

New initial PA license forms were published August 2017 on the State Board of Osteopathic Board website http://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/OsteopathicMedicine/Pages/default.aspx under general board information.

Renewals

In order for osteopathic physician assistants to renew their license for the next renewal period, section 9.1(a)(2) of ABC-MAP requires that they complete at least two (2) hours of continuing education in pain management, the identification of addiction, or the practices of prescribing or dispensing of opioids. The continuing education requirements of ABC-MAP will count towards the total number of continuing education credits required for renewal. For osteopathic physician assistants, this continuing education must be acceptable for credit by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

The board mails renewal notices 2 to 3 months prior to the license expiration date. Notices are mailed to the most recent address the licensee has reported to the Board. The Postal Service does not forward licenses.  The Osteopathic Physician Assistant renewal cycle is October 31st even-numbered years at a cost of $10.00

 

*The Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions Program Act (ABC-MAP) (also known as Act 124 of 2016), 35 P.S. § 872.3, is available on the Legislature’s website at:  http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/li/uconsCheck.cfm?yr=2016&sessInd=0&act=124

 

 

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Passage of House Bill 424 Allows PAs to Certify Cause of Death and Sign Death Certificates

Posted on July 6, 2017 by pspa

On June 30th, the Pennsylvania State Legislature passed House Bill 424, allowing for Physician Assistants to certify cause of death and sign death certificates of patients who were under their care. Representative Kerry Benninghoff, (Centre and Mifflin Counties) was the prime sponsor of the legislation. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers. The bill moves on to the Governors desk for signature and will become effective in 60 days from signing. This timing will allow for the vital statistics forms to be updated to include Physician Assistants.

The PSPA would like to thank Representative Benninghoff for his tireless efforts over the past 2 sessions to get the bill introduced and passed. We would also like to thank those of you who contacted your legislator asking for support of the bill. Those efforts are fundamentally key in getting legislation passed.

Follow the link below to read the bill in its entirety:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=PDF&sessYr=2017&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=0424&pn=0440

Learn more about completing a death certificate here.

 

 

 

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House Bill 2232 Passes the House 188-0

Posted on October 20, 2016 by pspa

House Bill 2232 sponsored by Representative Kerry Benninghoff, passed the House of Representatives 188-0. The Bill amends the Vital Statistics Act allowing Physician Assistants to sign death certificates, certifying the cause of death. The Bill now moves on to the Senate for consideration. Call your House of representative and thank them for their support of our legislation. It’s now time to call your Senator and ask them for their support of this important piece of legislation!

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Opioid Crisis Webinars

Posted on February 18, 2016 by pspa

The PSPA and the Pennsylvania Medical Society have collaborated on the development of 4 webinars to educate providers on the Pennsylvania opioid crisis. PAs can earn 1 hour of AMA CME for each webinar.  The webinars are still under development, and links will be provided as soon as each one is completed. These webinars are free to PSPA members or $39.00 each for non-members. Members click here to view instructions and links for the webinars. Non-members click here to go to the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s store to purchase the webinars.

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