NCAPA

North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates

Legislative Updates

PA Students Leading Legislative Visits

Jun 18, 2024
Across North Carolina, PA students have been leading the way in spearheading legislative visits with the goal of spreading awareness of the PA profession to state legislators. PA students have been inviting North Carolina Representatives, Senators, and candidates to tour their PA program facilities and classrooms, while engaging in robust discussions about the PA profession. […]

PA Students Leading Legislative Visits

by Pauline Bulala

Across North Carolina, PA students have been leading the way in spearheading legislative visits with the goal of spreading awareness of the PA profession to state legislators. PA students have been inviting North Carolina Representatives, Senators, and candidates to tour their PA program facilities and classrooms, while engaging in robust discussions about the PA profession. […]

PA Day at the NC Legislature

Apr 5, 2023
march 22, 2023 2023 PA Day at the NC Legislature The North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates’ annual advocacy day at the Legislature was one for the books, with a record amount of 79 physician assistants (PA) and PA students traveling from across the state to Raleigh for the 2023 PA Day at the Legislature […]

PA Day at the NC Legislature

by Pauline Bulala

march 22, 2023 2023 PA Day at the NC Legislature The North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates’ annual advocacy day at the Legislature was one for the books, with a record amount of 79 physician assistants (PA) and PA students traveling from across the state to Raleigh for the 2023 PA Day at the Legislature […]

2019 PA Day at the NC Legislature

Apr 24, 2019
By Caroline Griswold, NCAPA Program Coordinator On April 10th, 34 practicing PAs and PA students, along with NCAPA staff, gathered at the Stead Center in Durham to prepare for the 4th Annual PA Day at the NC Legislature. The day started with a crash course on legislative advocacy, presented by NCAPA Executive Director Emily Adams […]

2019 PA Day at the NC Legislature

by Kat

By Caroline Griswold, NCAPA Program Coordinator On April 10th, 34 practicing PAs and PA students, along with NCAPA staff, gathered at the Stead Center in Durham to prepare for the 4th Annual PA Day at the NC Legislature. The day started with a crash course on legislative advocacy, presented by NCAPA Executive Director Emily Adams […]

Medicaid Reimbursement Increase

Jan 7, 2019
On January 1, the NC Department of Health and Human Services announced that the state plans to amend Medicaid to raise the rates for Evaluation and Management procedure codes for ACA defined primary care practitioners including PAs. The public notice can be found here.

Medicaid Reimbursement Increase

by Kat

On January 1, the NC Department of Health and Human Services announced that the state plans to amend Medicaid to raise the rates for Evaluation and Management procedure codes for ACA defined primary care practitioners including PAs. The public notice can be found here.

2018 Post-Election Update

Dec 5, 2018
On November 6, North Carolina House and Senate seats, as well as the U.S. House and various judicial and local seats, were all up for reelection. In total, a little over 3.75 million of the approximately seven million registered voters in the state turned out for the General Election.   Republicans, who presently hold a […]

2018 Post-Election Update

by Kat

On November 6, North Carolina House and Senate seats, as well as the U.S. House and various judicial and local seats, were all up for reelection. In total, a little over 3.75 million of the approximately seven million registered voters in the state turned out for the General Election.   Republicans, who presently hold a […]

Controlled Substances Reporting System Update

Sep 24, 2018
On September 19, 2018, DHHS released an updated Controlled Substances Reporting System (CSRS) database.  All registered providers should have received an email directing them how to log into the new system to access the CSRS. The old site will no longer function, so you need to make sure you log into the new system to […]

Controlled Substances Reporting System Update

by Kat

On September 19, 2018, DHHS released an updated Controlled Substances Reporting System (CSRS) database.  All registered providers should have received an email directing them how to log into the new system to access the CSRS. The old site will no longer function, so you need to make sure you log into the new system to […]

Medicaid Transformation Update

Aug 14, 2018
On August 9, as directed by legislation in 2015 to convert the state’s Medicaid program from fee-for-service to managed care, NC DHHS released the request for proposal for organizations wishing to participate in the state’s Medicaid program as “Prepaid Health Plans (PHPs).” The PHPs chosen through the RFP process will be responsible for delivering services […]

Medicaid Transformation Update

by Kat

On August 9, as directed by legislation in 2015 to convert the state’s Medicaid program from fee-for-service to managed care, NC DHHS released the request for proposal for organizations wishing to participate in the state’s Medicaid program as “Prepaid Health Plans (PHPs).” The PHPs chosen through the RFP process will be responsible for delivering services […]

Concussion Management Advocacy

Jul 17, 2018
by Ryan Vann, PA-C PAs recently were included as licensed health care providers who are able to fully clear high school athletes for return to play after recovering from a concussion.   How this change came to fruition is a perfect case study for why advocacy on behalf of the PA profession is so vitally important. […]

Concussion Management Advocacy

by Kat

by Ryan Vann, PA-C PAs recently were included as licensed health care providers who are able to fully clear high school athletes for return to play after recovering from a concussion.   How this change came to fruition is a perfect case study for why advocacy on behalf of the PA profession is so vitally important. […]

Governor Handles Remaining Bills During Last Week of Session

Jul 9, 2018
Shortly after 9 p.m. on Monday, June 25th, Governor Cooper signed, vetoed, or allowed the remaining 45 bills on his desk to become law without his signature. Read more about the bills signed on the Legislative Action Center.

Governor Handles Remaining Bills During Last Week of Session

by Kat

Shortly after 9 p.m. on Monday, June 25th, Governor Cooper signed, vetoed, or allowed the remaining 45 bills on his desk to become law without his signature. Read more about the bills signed on the Legislative Action Center.

Bill Modifying the Medicaid Transformation Legislation Passes NCGA

Jun 19, 2018
On Friday, the House and Senate voted on the compromise version of HB 156: Medicaid PHP Licensure & Transformation Modifications, which had been in a conference committee since the end of the 2017 session. The bill is now on the Governor’s desk for final approval.   The changes included in this legislation build off of the […]

Bill Modifying the Medicaid Transformation Legislation Passes NCGA

by Kat

On Friday, the House and Senate voted on the compromise version of HB 156: Medicaid PHP Licensure & Transformation Modifications, which had been in a conference committee since the end of the 2017 session. The bill is now on the Governor’s desk for final approval.   The changes included in this legislation build off of the […]

Part II of the STOP Act, the HOPE Act, released this week

Jun 11, 2018
In a continued attempt to combat the opioid addiction crisis, House and Senate legislators released this week what has been dubbed as part two of the STOP Act, the Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Enforcement (HOPE) Act. The HOPE Act, which is also supported by Attorney General Josh Stein, expands access to the Controlled Substance Reporting […]

Part II of the STOP Act, the HOPE Act, released this week

by Kat

In a continued attempt to combat the opioid addiction crisis, House and Senate legislators released this week what has been dubbed as part two of the STOP Act, the Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Enforcement (HOPE) Act. The HOPE Act, which is also supported by Attorney General Josh Stein, expands access to the Controlled Substance Reporting […]

PA Day at the NC Legislature Success!

Jun 1, 2018
PA Day at the NC Legislature is always a highlight of my year as a PA in North Carolina, but 2018’s adventure on May 30th was the best yet. Rain was in the forecast, but it held off as we convened in downtown Raleigh. There were some familiar faces in attendance and then some Campbell […]

PA Day at the NC Legislature Success!

by Kat

PA Day at the NC Legislature is always a highlight of my year as a PA in North Carolina, but 2018’s adventure on May 30th was the best yet. Rain was in the forecast, but it held off as we convened in downtown Raleigh. There were some familiar faces in attendance and then some Campbell […]

NCAPA Responds to the DMA’s Request for Input

May 9, 2018
by Sarah Wolfe, Assistant Vice-President, McGuire Woods Consulting  Last month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) reached out to stakeholder groups, requesting input on various clinical coverage policies. State law requires that the Department consult with and seek advice from the NC Physician Advisory Group and other […]

NCAPA Responds to the DMA’s Request for Input

by Kat

by Sarah Wolfe, Assistant Vice-President, McGuire Woods Consulting  Last month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Medical Assistance (DMA) reached out to stakeholder groups, requesting input on various clinical coverage policies. State law requires that the Department consult with and seek advice from the NC Physician Advisory Group and other […]

Legislative Update: MAT Waiver

Mar 20, 2018
Legislative Updates: Medication Assisted Treatment Waiver by Sarah Wolfe, Assistant Vice-President, McGuire Woods Consulting  At this month’s North Carolina Medical Board meeting, NCAPA requested that the Physician Assistant Advisory Meeting (PAAM) review the supervising physician requirement for PAs who have acquired the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Waiver. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), which […]

Legislative Update: MAT Waiver

by Kat

Legislative Updates: Medication Assisted Treatment Waiver by Sarah Wolfe, Assistant Vice-President, McGuire Woods Consulting  At this month’s North Carolina Medical Board meeting, NCAPA requested that the Physician Assistant Advisory Meeting (PAAM) review the supervising physician requirement for PAs who have acquired the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Waiver. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), which […]

Prior Approval Required for Some Outpatient Opioid Prescriptions

Aug 30, 2017
Important Information for Medicaid and Health Choice Providers: Medicaid announced it will require prior approval for outpatient opioid prescriptions in certain situations. Please click here for details: https://ncapa-offload-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/03114808/PA_Criteria-Opioid-Analgesics.pdf

Prior Approval Required for Some Outpatient Opioid Prescriptions

by Kat

Important Information for Medicaid and Health Choice Providers: Medicaid announced it will require prior approval for outpatient opioid prescriptions in certain situations. Please click here for details: https://ncapa-offload-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/03114808/PA_Criteria-Opioid-Analgesics.pdf

NC DOT Confirms DMV Compliance with SB160

Jul 27, 2017
NCAPA received confirmation from the Department of Transportation that all of the following DMV forms have been updated to allow PAs and NPs to certify handicapped designation: Application for Handicapped Driver’s Registration Plate Medical Certification for Application & Renewal of Disability Parking Placard Application for Renewal of Disability Parking Placard or Total and Permanent Disability […]

NC DOT Confirms DMV Compliance with SB160

by Kat

NCAPA received confirmation from the Department of Transportation that all of the following DMV forms have been updated to allow PAs and NPs to certify handicapped designation: Application for Handicapped Driver’s Registration Plate Medical Certification for Application & Renewal of Disability Parking Placard Application for Renewal of Disability Parking Placard or Total and Permanent Disability […]

NC PAs Can Sign for Disability Placards

Jul 13, 2017
The North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA) has been working hard this session to ensure PAs are once again able to sign for Disability Placards. As background, in late 2016 the NC DMV sent out notices to all local offices that the DMV could no longer take disability placards signed by PAs or NPs. […]

NC PAs Can Sign for Disability Placards

by Kat

The North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA) has been working hard this session to ensure PAs are once again able to sign for Disability Placards. As background, in late 2016 the NC DMV sent out notices to all local offices that the DMV could no longer take disability placards signed by PAs or NPs. […]

STOP Act Signed by Governor Cooper

Jun 30, 2017
HB 243: Strengthen Opioid Misuse Prevention (STOP) Act passed both the House and Senate and was signed by Governor Cooper yesterday, Thursday, June 29, 2017. The STOP Act had bi-partisan support and is written to address many issues that influence Opioid use, with several components including prescribing limits and reporting requirements. The original bill required […]

STOP Act Signed by Governor Cooper

by Kat

HB 243: Strengthen Opioid Misuse Prevention (STOP) Act passed both the House and Senate and was signed by Governor Cooper yesterday, Thursday, June 29, 2017. The STOP Act had bi-partisan support and is written to address many issues that influence Opioid use, with several components including prescribing limits and reporting requirements. The original bill required […]

DHHS Seeking Public Input on Medicaid Reform

Apr 27, 2017
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public input from April 25 to May 25, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. on the Medicaid and NC Health Choice programs transformation (also known as “Medicaid reform”). While all comments are welcome, the Department is specifically looking for input on the following topics: Integrating Primary […]

DHHS Seeking Public Input on Medicaid Reform

by Kat

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public input from April 25 to May 25, 2017, at 11:59 p.m. on the Medicaid and NC Health Choice programs transformation (also known as “Medicaid reform”). While all comments are welcome, the Department is specifically looking for input on the following topics: Integrating Primary […]

PA Day at the NC Legislature!

Apr 27, 2017
Thank you to all the PA Advocates who joined NCAPA for PA Day at the Legislature. We are grateful to Senator Andrew Brock and Representative Gale Adcock who took the time to meet with our group and to all the legislators who met with PAs. We were also pleased to have the opportunity to meet […]

PA Day at the NC Legislature!

by Kat

Thank you to all the PA Advocates who joined NCAPA for PA Day at the Legislature. We are grateful to Senator Andrew Brock and Representative Gale Adcock who took the time to meet with our group and to all the legislators who met with PAs. We were also pleased to have the opportunity to meet […]

New Legislation Ensures Robust Future for PAs

Nov 9, 2015
Two pieces of legislation introduced before the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday byRep. Karen Bass (D-CA), a former physician assistant (PA) and PA educator, would ensure PA educational programs have the resources needed, expand educational opportunities for students wanting to become PAs, and increase quality health care for rural and medically underserved areas. While PAs […]

New Legislation Ensures Robust Future for PAs

by Kat

Two pieces of legislation introduced before the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday byRep. Karen Bass (D-CA), a former physician assistant (PA) and PA educator, would ensure PA educational programs have the resources needed, expand educational opportunities for students wanting to become PAs, and increase quality health care for rural and medically underserved areas. While PAs […]

HB 724 Signed! PA to Have a Designated Seat on the NCMB

Aug 12, 2015
Today the N.C. Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA) praised the signing of House Bill 724, entitled “Amend Composition of N.C. Medical Board.” The bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Pat McCrory on August 11, 2015, adds a seat designated for a Physician Assistant (PA) to the board. The previous version of the law […]

HB 724 Signed! PA to Have a Designated Seat on the NCMB

by Kat

Today the N.C. Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA) praised the signing of House Bill 724, entitled “Amend Composition of N.C. Medical Board.” The bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Pat McCrory on August 11, 2015, adds a seat designated for a Physician Assistant (PA) to the board. The previous version of the law […]

Senate Unanimously Agrees to H724!

Jul 29, 2015
This morning, the Senate chamber unanimously voted in favor of HB 724, Amend Composition of NC Medical Board. The bill will now head to the House for a final concurrence vote, before landing on the Governor’s desk for signature into law. North Carolina is officially one step closer to having a seat designated specifically for […]

Senate Unanimously Agrees to H724!

by Kat

This morning, the Senate chamber unanimously voted in favor of HB 724, Amend Composition of NC Medical Board. The bill will now head to the House for a final concurrence vote, before landing on the Governor’s desk for signature into law. North Carolina is officially one step closer to having a seat designated specifically for […]