Seven years after its enactment, Puerto Rico's Ley #71 remains a deeply divisive and restrictive obstacle to the optimal practice of medicine within the Commonwealth. This legislation continues to hinder our ability to provide care in a manner we believe best serves our patients. Despite the efforts of organizations such as AAMPR, AAPA, and PAHL to enhance our professional standing, this detrimental legislation has yet to be repealed or amended.
As we approach 2025, it is evident that sustained advocacy by Physician Assistants (PAs) is crucial to overcome the entrenched political obstacles and outdated, misinformed perceptions surrounding our role within the team-based medical model. Now, more than ever, unwavering commitment and active engagement in this challenging struggle are essential, particularly given the substantial financial resources invested by hospitals, insurance companies, and local nursing and physician groups in lobbying against our interests. We must, however, maintain a steadfast resolve in our ability to influence the narrow legislative agenda of their elected officials, a force that should not be underestimated by any member of our community involved in this process.
To effectively address this issue and move forward, we must consolidate our efforts and amplify our voices alongside those who understand and support our profession. It is important to remember our history of successful lobbying efforts both within the United States and internationally. This advocacy demands not only patience but also unwavering determination, embracing even the smallest gains within the political arena as we advance our cause and interests among all stakeholders.
Furthermore, current industry trends, including the expansion of scopes of practice, affirm the influence of our voices and the progress we have made. Our five-decade history of providing high-quality medical services and improving access to care underscores our contributions to the healthcare landscape. However, passivity and a spectator stance in this debate would allow other stakeholders to dictate our professional destinies.
PAs are uniquely positioned to lead and influence critical decisions by actively participating in these discussions rather than relinquishing these opportunities. By acting decisively and with a clear understanding of our professional calling, we must seize these pivotal moments to continuously and positively shape the delivery of healthcare within Puerto Rico's severely strained healthcare system.
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