What’s happening?
In 2023, NCAPA collaborated with lawmakers in both chambers to file companion bills, Senate Bill 47 and House Bill 75, which seek to enact Optimal Team Practice, or OTP for short, into law.
- In February 2023, HB 75 passed the House chamber unanimously. HB 75/SB 47 awaits a hearing in the Senate chamber.
- In late June 2023, an amended version of HB 75 passed the Senate.
- In August 2023, the House voted not to concur. The bill now waits for conference committee to be appointed.
- NCAPA will continue to work with lawmakers throughout the 2024 legislative session to finalize this legislation.
The North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants remains committed to the passing of HB 75 and will continue to give updates on its progress.
What does the bill do?
HB 75 would ensure that North Carolina remains the best place to practice as a PA. OTP will keep PAs accountable for the care they provide and will keep team-based, collaborative care at the center of patient care and medical decision-making.
How can I get involved?
How did NCAPA get here?
In 2018, NCAPA traveled across the state to share information and listen to thoughts and concerns PAs have regarding OTP. These listening sessions provided an excellent opportunity for NCAPA leadership to hear directly from PAs in North Carolina. Through those sessions, we learned:
- PAs overwhelmingly support OTP and want NCAPA to work toward modernizing our practice laws.
- PAs take immense pride in their profession and are dedicated to ensuring NC is the best place to practice as a PA.
- PAs are committed to working in healthcare teams, and Optimal Team Practice aligns with that commitment.
- PAs care deeply for their patients and don’t want legislative or regulatory limitations to come between them and providing the best care for their patients.
Based on PA input in North Carolina, NCAPA began working with stakeholders to develop support and craft OTP legislation. We are working hard to make it a reality!
Ultimately, our goal is that this work will result in a modern practice environment emphasizing team-based care and ensures North Carolina is the best state to be a PA.