For decades many U.S.
PAs’ have been frustrated with the name-game change that has left us
‘brand less” in the marketplace. Sadly, to this day it remains unresolved to the
satisfaction of our community. As if that was not enough, now we’re facing
another intra-professional conundrum—the passage and embracement of OTP not
only by policymakers at the state level but by some of our very own peers and
AAPA sisters organizations. Most of us wonder if this situation will divide our
community since over the last few years we have not been able to present
ourselves as an united front like our counterparts, the NP’s have done.
Make no mistake about
it. This is going to be an intense advocacy fight for our rights and role in
the marketplace. If we do not rise to educate legislators, insurance
companies and others, our dream will
never materialize and will never become a reality either. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned
PA, the truth of the matter is that we need everyone to be involved and engaged.
With resilience and determination of some state chapters, a handful states have finally recognized OTP or some form of it, naturally this did not happened overnight, but its possible and attainable when everybody commits their time, their skills and resources. What better example of this than a modernized legislative act known as PA 379 in Michigan & the other recent states that have modernized their state PA Practice Acts as well--Wisconsin being one of the last ones.
How were they able to accomplish such feat? Simple...it was all because they pooled their resources and had a clear vision and were single-minded in this regard/state chapter mission.
I know at times some
PAs may feel OTP is beyond their reach. To those, I will remind them this: you
have sacrificed and invested significant amount of time, monies and maybe blood
and tears. Isn’t your profession/ career worth fighting for? Think about
it...you have come along way—you owe it to yourself to be fully recognized for
your skills, your professionalism so you can practice at the highest level of
your scope of practice recognized by the law.
So don’t stop
believing in your professional possibilities, do not allow others in or out of
our community dissuade your social, economic & professional destiny by
allowing others misperceptions or disinformation stall our progressive advancement in the legal arena. Keep in mind you’re not alone in this quest even though you may find
some negativity or apathy among your peers or outside stakeholders.
Our message should be
simple: OTP fundamentally is patient-centric care since it increases access to
health care services nationwide to all patients. I believe is important to
emphasize this along with the longstanding legacy of our quality care provided
over five decades. We must share the same best professional advocacy
practices. When we do these things, we
become the agents of change in the world like Mahatma Gandhi said in is famous
quote. " Be the catalyst in your village" so OTP can be nationwide
recognized.
# # #
