Written by Leigh Habegger, PA-S
Recently, a number of North Carolina PA-Cs and PA-Ss joined other from around the country in Washington, DC for AAPA’s annual Leadership and Advocacy Summit (LAS).
We spent time networking with other PAs and COs, learning about the latest updates to AAPA’s PA Compact work, federal issues impacting our profession, and visiting the Hill to advocate for our profession.
Professional Student Degree Act
While on the Hill visiting with NC Representatives and Senators, we urged support for H.R. 6718, the Professional Student Degree Act.
This bill would codify a statutory definition of “professional degree” under the Higher Education Act that expressly includes PA programs, along with nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and several other clinical fields.
This would restore PA students’ access to the higher federal “professional” student loan limits ($50,000/year, $200,000 lifetime) rather than the lower “graduate” tier ($20,500/year, $100,000 lifetime) they were shifted into under recent Department of Education rulemaking.
This bill complements the lawsuit NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson filed along with 24 Attorneys General disputing our reclassification from the “profession” tier to the “graduate” tier. We joined AG Jackson at his press conference on May 20, 2026 to announce his lawsuit.
Improving Access to Worker’s Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act
We also advocated for the Improving Access to Worker’s Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act (H.R. 3170 / S. 3296).
H.R. 3170/S. 3296 would modernize the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) so that PAs and NPs can continue treating and certifying injuries for federal workers and postal employees while they’re using FECA coverage.
This closes a gap where PAs, though fully recognized providers for federal employees under normal circumstances, currently cannot provide that same care once a patient is on worker’s compensation.
Connecting with NCAPA Members and Students
On Friday evening, we enjoyed a great dinner with NCAPA members and students over pizza.
Our President-elect, Chileatha Wynn, and Past President, Andrea McKinnond, alongside Elon’s PA Program Director, Kim Stokes, offered advice, encouragement, and support to a number of PA students at the dinner.
It was a particularly special time for our members to enjoy fellowship over good food and laughter.
Advocating for the Future of the PA Profession
We are proud of join our fellow students and colleagues across the country to advocate for the future of our profession.
The relationships created during LAS help us stay connected to work happening across the country at the state and federal levels, enabling us to better serve you and our patients across NC.
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