NCAPA

North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates

News

Interview with Varnell McDonald-Fletcher, PA-C, of the NC Medical Board

Aug 30, 2018
 NCAPA interviews Varnell McDonald-Fletcher, the PA that sits on the NC Medical Board.   Why did you decide to pursue service on the NC Medical Board? I would like to state that I am truly honored to have been appointed by Governor Roy Cooper as a board member to the North Carolina Medical Board. I […]

Interview with Varnell McDonald-Fletcher, PA-C, of the NC Medical Board

by Kat

 NCAPA interviews Varnell McDonald-Fletcher, the PA that sits on the NC Medical Board.   Why did you decide to pursue service on the NC Medical Board? I would like to state that I am truly honored to have been appointed by Governor Roy Cooper as a board member to the North Carolina Medical Board. I […]

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 […]

NCAPA and the NC Biotechnology Center are Partnering to Promote Innovation Among PAs.

Aug 8, 2018
The NCAPA website has a new page on PAs and Innovation to provide valuable information for PAs regarding the “Problem to Product” process. See more information here.

NCAPA and the NC Biotechnology Center are Partnering to Promote Innovation Among PAs.

by Kat

The NCAPA website has a new page on PAs and Innovation to provide valuable information for PAs regarding the “Problem to Product” process. See more information here.

UNC PA Students Serve Rural Community Through Remote Area Medical Program

Aug 2, 2018
From UNC School of Medicine, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Physician Assistant Studies In late July 2018, first and second-year Physician Assistant Studies students, and two faculty mentors, provided health care in rural Wise, Virginia, through the Remote Area Medical (RAM) program, a nonprofit provider of mobile medical clinics. The RAM program delivers free dental, vision, and […]

UNC PA Students Serve Rural Community Through Remote Area Medical Program

by Kat

From UNC School of Medicine, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Physician Assistant Studies In late July 2018, first and second-year Physician Assistant Studies students, and two faculty mentors, provided health care in rural Wise, Virginia, through the Remote Area Medical (RAM) program, a nonprofit provider of mobile medical clinics. The RAM program delivers free dental, vision, and […]

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.

Happy 4th of July!

Jul 3, 2018
The NCAPA office will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th, but will reopen on Thursday, July 5th, at 9:00am. Wishing everyone a happy and safe 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!

by Kat

The NCAPA office will be closed on Wednesday, July 4th, but will reopen on Thursday, July 5th, at 9:00am. Wishing everyone a happy and safe 4th of July!

Reflections of a PA | Iron Man

Jun 28, 2018
by Cameron Young Sweeney, PA-C He hummed quietly to himself and tapped his fingers on the wooden cane propped between his knees as I rolled the stool from under the computer desk and sat next to him. His gray hair, shiny with Brylcreem, was smoothed back from his high forehead. His blue eyes twinkled as […]

Reflections of a PA | Iron Man

by Kat

by Cameron Young Sweeney, PA-C He hummed quietly to himself and tapped his fingers on the wooden cane propped between his knees as I rolled the stool from under the computer desk and sat next to him. His gray hair, shiny with Brylcreem, was smoothed back from his high forehead. His blue eyes twinkled as […]

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 […]

PAs Eligible for Reimbursement of Suboxone/Buprenorphine Training

Jun 4, 2018
Duke has received a grant from HRSA to provide reimbursements for PAs and other clinicians who wish to complete the online MAT waiver training. This project is designed to enhance primary care training and address the opioid crisis in many communities. PAs in North Carolina are invited to apply for this  opportunity which will them […]

PAs Eligible for Reimbursement of Suboxone/Buprenorphine Training

by Kat

Duke has received a grant from HRSA to provide reimbursements for PAs and other clinicians who wish to complete the online MAT waiver training. This project is designed to enhance primary care training and address the opioid crisis in many communities. PAs in North Carolina are invited to apply for this  opportunity which will them […]

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 […]

Deadline for NCAPA BOD Nominations

May 29, 2018
The NCAPA Nominating Committee is currently soliciting candidates for the 2019 Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. Serving on the NCAPA Board is an important way to contribute to your profession and a wonderful leadership experience. North Carolina became a great state in which to practice as a PA through the vision, leadership, and volunteer […]

Deadline for NCAPA BOD Nominations

by Kat

The NCAPA Nominating Committee is currently soliciting candidates for the 2019 Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. Serving on the NCAPA Board is an important way to contribute to your profession and a wonderful leadership experience. North Carolina became a great state in which to practice as a PA through the vision, leadership, and volunteer […]

Reflections of a PA | Mountain Medicine

May 22, 2018
by Alexandra Godfrey, PA-C Guatemalan Village The child lies across her mother’s lap. Her eyes are hollow, and I hear the rattle of her breathing. She’s tachypneic, tachycardic, and febrile. Her right lung wheezes and crackles, and her tongue sticks to the roof of her mouth. Her name is Elisa. She is four years old. […]

Reflections of a PA | Mountain Medicine

by Kat

by Alexandra Godfrey, PA-C Guatemalan Village The child lies across her mother’s lap. Her eyes are hollow, and I hear the rattle of her breathing. She’s tachypneic, tachycardic, and febrile. Her right lung wheezes and crackles, and her tongue sticks to the roof of her mouth. Her name is Elisa. She is four years old. […]

New PA Program Leadership at Duke University

May 14, 2018
Jacqueline Barnett Named Director of Duke Physician Assistant Program Jacqueline S. Barnett, DHSc, MSHS, PA-C, associate professor of community and family medicine, has been named program director, Duke Physician Assistant Program, effective June 1, 2018. Barnett has served as associate program director since late 2015. The decision was made after a national search conducted by an internal […]

New PA Program Leadership at Duke University

by Kat

Jacqueline Barnett Named Director of Duke Physician Assistant Program Jacqueline S. Barnett, DHSc, MSHS, PA-C, associate professor of community and family medicine, has been named program director, Duke Physician Assistant Program, effective June 1, 2018. Barnett has served as associate program director since late 2015. The decision was made after a national search conducted by an internal […]

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 […]

Open PA Seat on the NCMB

Mar 20, 2018
The seat on the North Carolina Medical Board designated for a PA will be coming up for appointment this Fall.  Applicants must meet the following: Hold an active license or approval to perform medical acts, tasks, and functions in North Carolina. Have an active clinical or teaching practice. For purposes of this subdivision, the term […]

Open PA Seat on the NCMB

by Kat

The seat on the North Carolina Medical Board designated for a PA will be coming up for appointment this Fall.  Applicants must meet the following: Hold an active license or approval to perform medical acts, tasks, and functions in North Carolina. Have an active clinical or teaching practice. For purposes of this subdivision, the term […]

PA Foundation Announces First Cohort Mental Health Outreach Fellows

Mar 20, 2018
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (March 15, 2018) – Today the PA (Physician Assistant) Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), announced the 16 recipients of the inaugural Mental Health Outreach Fellowship. The Mental Health Outreach Fellowship taps into the established and growing community outreach program developed by the National Council for Behavioral Health – the Mental Health […]

PA Foundation Announces First Cohort Mental Health Outreach Fellows

by Kat

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (March 15, 2018) – Today the PA (Physician Assistant) Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), announced the 16 recipients of the inaugural Mental Health Outreach Fellowship. The Mental Health Outreach Fellowship taps into the established and growing community outreach program developed by the National Council for Behavioral Health – the Mental Health […]

NCAPA is Hiring!

Jan 15, 2018
NCAPA is looking to hire! We are currently seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant and a full-time Membership Coordinator. These two individuals would join a vibrant staff with offices located at the Stead Center in Durham, NC. Come join the one organization dedicated exclusively to protecting the rights of all PAs in North Carolina.

NCAPA is Hiring!

by Kat

NCAPA is looking to hire! We are currently seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant and a full-time Membership Coordinator. These two individuals would join a vibrant staff with offices located at the Stead Center in Durham, NC. Come join the one organization dedicated exclusively to protecting the rights of all PAs in North Carolina.

Delivery Delays of Newborn Screening Specimens

Dec 1, 2017
Due to “a large influx of packages from a history making Cyber-Monday”, United Parcel Service (UPS) has experienced delays in delivery of envelopes containing newborn screening specimens to the NCSLPH. These delays are very concerning to the laboratory due to the time critical nature of the specimens being transported. Read the full release from the […]

Delivery Delays of Newborn Screening Specimens

by Kat

Due to “a large influx of packages from a history making Cyber-Monday”, United Parcel Service (UPS) has experienced delays in delivery of envelopes containing newborn screening specimens to the NCSLPH. These delays are very concerning to the laboratory due to the time critical nature of the specimens being transported. Read the full release from the […]

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

NCAPA is Hiring!

Aug 29, 2017
The North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA) is recruiting a part-time Administrative Assistant to provide administrative support for office functions including board support. Read more about the position here.

NCAPA is Hiring!

by Kat

The North Carolina Academy of Physician Associates (NCAPA) is recruiting a part-time Administrative Assistant to provide administrative support for office functions including board support. Read more about the position here.

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 […]

HOD Election Results Are In!

Jun 19, 2017
NCAPA Announces HOD Delegates for the term July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2019 Delegates: Marc Katz Samantha Rogers Truett Smith Alisha DeTroye Jeff Katz Linda Sekhon Sue Reich Joshua Smith Chris Barry Extra Delegates: Wanda Hancock Charlene Morris

HOD Election Results Are In!

by Kat

NCAPA Announces HOD Delegates for the term July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2019 Delegates: Marc Katz Samantha Rogers Truett Smith Alisha DeTroye Jeff Katz Linda Sekhon Sue Reich Joshua Smith Chris Barry Extra Delegates: Wanda Hancock Charlene Morris

The Future of PA Practice in North Carolin

Jun 2, 2017
NCAPA President Truett Smith writes to NC PAs regarding the 2017 AAPA House of Delegates and Optimal Team Practice: Dear North Carolina PA, A monumental event occurred recently in the 2017 AAPA House of Delegates. The Delegates passed Optimal Team Practice (OTP), a new policy intended to enhance the ability of PAs to meet the […]

The Future of PA Practice in North Carolin

by Kat

NCAPA President Truett Smith writes to NC PAs regarding the 2017 AAPA House of Delegates and Optimal Team Practice: Dear North Carolina PA, A monumental event occurred recently in the 2017 AAPA House of Delegates. The Delegates passed Optimal Team Practice (OTP), a new policy intended to enhance the ability of PAs to meet the […]

PAs Vote to Advance Profession to Meet Modern Healthcare Needs

May 22, 2017
LAS VEGAS (May 18, 2017) — At the annual conference of the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), members of its House of Delegates unanimously approved Optimal Team Practice, a new policy intended to enhance the ability of PAs to meet the needs of patients and ensure the future of the profession in a changing healthcare […]

PAs Vote to Advance Profession to Meet Modern Healthcare Needs

by Kat

LAS VEGAS (May 18, 2017) — At the annual conference of the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), members of its House of Delegates unanimously approved Optimal Team Practice, a new policy intended to enhance the ability of PAs to meet the needs of patients and ensure the future of the profession in a changing healthcare […]

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 […]

Veteran’s Memorial Garden Re-dedication

Apr 27, 2017
Saturday, April 8th was a beautiful day with a Carolina blue sky, a nice breeze, and a lovely 65 degrees.  Over 80 individuals gathered at the Stead Center in Durham to rededicate the John McElligott Veterans Memorial Garden.  NCAPA President Truett Smith, PA-C, welcomed guests and the PA History Society’s Historian Emeritus, Reginald Carter, Ph.D., PA, described briefly […]

Veteran’s Memorial Garden Re-dedication

by Kat

Saturday, April 8th was a beautiful day with a Carolina blue sky, a nice breeze, and a lovely 65 degrees.  Over 80 individuals gathered at the Stead Center in Durham to rededicate the John McElligott Veterans Memorial Garden.  NCAPA President Truett Smith, PA-C, welcomed guests and the PA History Society’s Historian Emeritus, Reginald Carter, Ph.D., PA, described briefly […]