In this issue:
President’s Letter
What’s Happening at the NC Legislature
Don’t Lose Your Pulse – Activate Your 2017 Membership Today!
31st Annual NCAPA Recertification Exam Review Conference
2017 NCAPA Job Fair
Interested in Serving on the Board? NCAPA Seeking Nominations
Seeking House of Delegates Nominations
NCAPA Endowment Student Scholarship: East Carolina
Lanny Parker Memorial Fund
NCAPA’s Winter Social- Come in from the Cold!
41st Annual NCAPA Summer Conference Room Block is Open!
NCAPA Career Center
DEA Renewal Applications Change
Comprehensive Online Review for the PANCE/PANRE
Welcome Members!
President’s Message
by Truett Smith , MPAS, PA-C
I would like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year and Happy Birthday! The PA profession started in North Carolina 50 years ago, making 2017 a year of celebration as well as a year of reflection. There have been countless PAs that have paved the way for our profession, having been around since the inception and still working tirelessly to improve practice in our fine state. Others are just getting started in practice and are fortunate to inherit a profession that has matured and grown into one the most desired jobs in the US. Thank you for contributing to the growth of the profession by being a part of the NCAPA. If you have not already renewed your membership, I encourage you to do so today as there is strength found in numbers. We must all do our part in keeping North Carolina one of the best states to practice as a PA.
The NCAPA is in its third year of a three-year strategic plan. Most of the goals that our Academy set out to achieve two years ago are being met and we will continue to push hard throughout this year to complete the rest. You can see a copy of the updated NCAPA Strategic Plan here.
Suffice it to say, the Academy has been busy. We are currently in the process of looking at ways to add online CME, Regional Chapters are strong and growing throughout the state, and we had a very successful Legislative Day last year and will repeat it on April 12. The NCAPA will continue to advocate for every PA at the local, state and national level.
The 50th Anniversary of our profession will be woven throughout all that NCAPA does this year. The PA History Society is renovating and rededicating the Veterans Memorial Garden at the Stead Center in April. If you are a Veteran or current member of the Uniformed Service or if you would like to honor a Veteran or current member, please consider donating a brick paver to be placed in the garden. NCAPA’s celebration year will culminate with a 50th Anniversary Gala to be held at the Stead Center in October.
The NCAPA’s biggest resource is you, our members. We would love to see you get more involved. Please join us for Legislative Day in Raleigh, attend a meeting of a regional chapter in your area, or consider committee or leadership involvement in the future. All NCAPA Board meetings are open to members and our next is scheduled for Saturday, January 21st at the Stead Center in Durham. We would love to see you there!
Thank you,
Truett Smith, MPAS, PA-C
What’s Happening at the NC Legislature
by Sarah Wolfe, Assistant Vice-President, McGuire Woods Consulting
Save the Date: PA Day at the Legislature
Mark your calendars for NCAPA’s second annual advocacy day at the North Carolina General Assembly on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. You will have the opportunity to meet with your local legislators and advocate for the PA profession. Stay tuned for additional details in the coming months!
Legislative Update
The legislature convened for the 2017 long session on January 11 for an organizational day. The House and Senate made committee assignments, appointed committee chairs, and elected the leadership of their respective chambers. The legislature will reconvene on January 25 to begin its work in earnest.
At the end of November, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) took a new interpretation of the law concerning the ability for providers to sign for handicap placards. Since PAs were not explicitly named in this decades-old law, the DMV is now prohibiting PAs from signing for the placards. NCAPA is actively working to solve this issue and will support legislation in the 2017 session to clarify that PAs and NPs can sign handicap placards. Additionally, NCAPA will continue to monitor all filed legislation to ensure that PAs are included in all relevant bills.
Be sure to check out the Legislative Action Center for regular updates.
Gov. Cooper Calls for Medicaid Expansion
On January 4, Gov. Roy Cooper announced that he would take immediate executive action to expand Medicaid, as outlined in the Affordable Care Act. Gov. Cooper’s plan to immediately file an amendment to the state’s Medicaid plan with the feds would ensure that the amendment would be received under the outgoing President Obama administration, prior to President-elect Donald Trump taking office.
Several caveats, however, stand in the way of the Governor’s plan. Under state law passed in 2013, only the General Assembly has the authority to expand Medicaid. Since Gov. Cooper’s announcement, House and Senate leadership have sharply criticized the Governor, while many members of the Democratic minority have applauded his efforts. Furthermore, the expansion of Medicaid would only be possible under the Affordable Care Act, which President-elect Trump and the Republican majority Congress have vowed to repeal.
Don’t Lose Your Pulse – Activate Your 2017 Membership Today!
If your membership expired at the end of December, be sure to renew by February 15th, to continue receiving The Pulse, discounts on all NCAPA conferences and CME offerings, as well as early news on job openings and networking opportunities. Don’t miss a beat – renew today!
31st Annual NCAPA Recertification Exam Review Conference
Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center
February 18-21, 2017
Durham, NC
Join us for the 31st Annual NCAPA Recertification Exam Review Conference. The conference agenda is based on the NCCPA PANRE exam blueprint and will be geared 100% toward a basic review of all organ systems. Whether or not you need to take the PANRE, this conference is an excellent review for any health care provider.
The full agenda with speakers is now available here!
This program has been reviewed and is approved for 31 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME credit for the general sessions and 22 hours in workshops by the Physician Assistant Review Panel. Physician Assistants should claim only those hours actually spent participating in the CME activity.
Credits awarded by the AAPA are accepted by the ANCC Certification Program and the AANP as Continuing Education (CE) credits for nurses and nurse practitioners.
The Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center has reserved a block of rooms for NCAPA conference attendees. Conference rates are available for all reservations booked for the conference before January 20, 2017, or while availability lasts. For hotel reservations, click here or call (919) 941-5050.
2017 NCAPA Job Fair
NCAPA is hosting its first ever Job Fair on February 17, 2017 from 1:00 – 6:00pm at the Shearton Imperial Hotel in Durham. This is the Friday prior to our Recertification Exam Review Conference that begins the following day, on Saturday, February 18th.
Registration is now open for job seekers. And it’s free! Polish your resume and practice those interview skills. Start the New Year with a new job!
Employer Recruitment:
We are now recruiting employers who are looking to hire highly qualified PAs in North Carolina. If you are an employer and are interested in having a booth, you can find registration forms and more information on our website. We are offering special reduced rates for public health and government employers.
Please register and spread the word!
Interested in Serving on the Board? NCAPA Seeking Nominations
by NCAPA Nominating Committee
The NCAPA Nominating Committee is soliciting candidates for open positions on the Board of Directors and Nominating Committee in 2018. Serving on the NCAPA Board is an important way to contribute to your profession and a wonderful leadership experience. North Carolina is often cited as a great state in which to practice as a PA. It got that way through the vision, leadership, and volunteer work of PAs just like you!
If you know a PA who cares deeply about the profession, who wants to contribute to the future of the profession, who is a good listener, collaborator, and decision maker—or if you are that person—please nominate her/him for a position on the NCAPA Board of Directors.
The following positions for elected offices are open for nominees: President-Elect, Treasurer, Director-At-Large (three positions), and a Nominating Committee Member. To read more about these positions and to nominate yourself or a colleague, click here. The deadline for nominating a colleague is May 31, 2017. The deadline for nominating yourself is August 1, 2017.
All terms begin January 1, 2018. Nominees for officer positions (President-Elect and Treasurer) must have been an NCAPA Fellow member in good standing for the calendar year prior to election. All other nominees must have been a Fellow or Associate member.
Seeking House of Delegates Nominations
by NCAPA Nominating Committee
Nominations are now open for candidates seeking to be the NCAPA representatives to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) 2018 and 2019 House of Delegates (HOD).
The AAPA HOD is the representative governance body for the national professional organization. It is comprised of delegates who represent chapters and other constituent groups. The number of HOD representatives from NCAPA is based on the number of AAPA Fellow members in North Carolina. In the past, NCAPA has had eight (8) delegates and we anticipate needing the same number again.
Nominations for Delegates are being accepted for a term of office that begins on July 1, 2017, and ends on June 30, 2019. NCAPA Fellow members may self-declare or nominate another Fellow Member. (Fellow members are PAs who are members of both AAPA and NCAPA.) Those elected will represent NCAPA at the 2018 and 2019 AAPA HOD meetings, with travel, lodging, and meal expenses paid by NCAPA.
In order to be eligible, you must:
- Be a Fellow Member in good standing through the previous calendar year.
- Submit a Letter of Intent and brief Platform Statement to the NCAPA Nominating Committee via the NCAPA Executive Director no later than May 1, 2017.
Voting by electronic ballot will begin May 20 and close June 5, 2017. Only NCAPA Fellow members in good standing are eligible to vote.
NCAPA’s delegates and back-up delegates will be ranked, based upon the number of votes each candidate receives. Election results will be announced by June 19, 2017.
To submit your Letter of Intent and Platform Statement, please send one of the following ways:
- email: emily.adams@ncapa.org, or
- fax: 919-479-9726, Attn: Emily Adams or
- by mail to Emily Adams, NCAPA, 1121 Slater Road, Durham, NC 27703. If sending by mail, please allow enough time for your materials to arrive by May 5th.
If you have any question, please contact Emily Adams, NCAPA Executive Director, at emily.adams@ncapa.org or by calling 919-479-1995.
NCAPA Endowment Student Scholarship: East Carolina Recipient
by Sue Reich, PA-C, MPAs
Ms. Elizabeth McLawhorn is the 2016 recipient of the NCAPA Endowment award for a PA student in the ECU program. Ms. McLawhorn graduated magna cum laude from UNC-Wilmington with a degree in Exercise Science. While there, she received multiple awards and served as a Health Promotion Peer Educator. At ECU, Elizabeth has sought opportunities to expand her leadership skills, serving as the class fundraising chair. With graduation coming in December, she will be joining the ranks of practicing PAs very soon—we have no doubt that Elizabeth’s work ethic, collaborative nature and patient advocacy will serve her well as she delivers care to those who most need it. Congratulations!
The NCAPA Endowment awards annual scholarship grants to a second year student from each of the North Carolina PA programs. Please consider making a contribution to support those who are the future of our profession. Thank you to all who have generously donated through the years.
Elizabeth McLawhorn receives award from NCAPA President, Wanda Hancock
The NCAPA Endowment awards annual scholarship grants to a second year student from each of the North Carolina PA programs. Please consider making a contribution to support those who are the future of our profession. Thank you to all who have generously donated through the years.
Lanny Parker Memorial Fund
The legacy of a PA friend and colleague lives on through the Lanny Parker Memorial Fund. This fund was originally established in 2004 to support PA and PA student education in coding and reimbursement. In addition to Lanny’s expertise in these areas, he was also an avid supporter of PA leadership and advocacy. In 2014, the NCAPA Endowment trustees voted to expand the mission of this fund to expand the reach of Lanny Parker’s memory. The Endowment is now accepting applications until January 31st for any PA or PA student who desires grant funding for organizing initiatives or attending events which focus on health care economics, advocacy or leadership development. For further details on the Lanny Parker Memorial Fund and how to apply for this grant, please visit the NCAPA website. The Endowment also appreciates tax-deductible donations to this fund to continue educating and developing PA leaders.
NCAPA’s Winter Social- Come in from the Cold!
Join us as for networking with fellow PAs and PA students while enjoying appetizers, wine, and beer. A way to kick off the PA profession’s 50th Year! Our first social event of 2017 will be held on on Friday, February 17th from 6-9pm at the Stead Center, 1121 Slater Road, in Durham, NC. This is the night prior to our Recertification Exam Review Conference. You do not need to be attending the conference to attend the social. Please RSVP here. We hope you’ll join us!
41st Annual NCAPA Summer Conference Room Block is Open!
Embassy Suites, Kingston Plantation
August 20-25, 2017
Myrtle Beach, SC
Registration Opens on Monday, January 16th!
The NCAPA combines the best CME conference for PAs with a family-friendly beach vacation. We start our sessions early and end early so you can have the best of both worlds!
The first 100 registrants will receive $25 off our already low early registration rates. The discount applies to full conference registrations only.
NCAPA has reserved a block of rooms at the Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach. Rooms in our block fill up very early, so we recommend you book your room ASAP! Click here to reserve your room or call (843)449-0006 and use the group code NCA.
NCAPA Career Center
NCAPA is pleased to announce that we are moving to a new and upgraded jobs board aka Career Center on January 20, 2017.
The new Career Center includes some great new member benefits:
- Members will be able to upload their resume/CV to be found by companies that are hiring
- Members will receive monthly updates on available jobs and can sign up for customized job alerts
- Jobs are easier to find due to increased search functions
The new career center also increases options for employers, including more tailored postings and ad packages, and access to the database of resumes from highly qualified candidates. This upgrade should attract more employers, which means more searchable job opportunities at your fingertips. We will send an email to all our members, alerting you when the new NCAPA Career Center is up and running. Be on the lookout!
DEA Renewal Applications Change
from the US Dept. of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration
Starting January 2017, DEA will no longer send its second renewal notification by mail. Instead, an electronic reminder to renew will be sent to the email address associated with the DEA registration.
At this time, DEA will otherwise retain its current policy and procedures with respect to renewal and reinstatement of registration. Read more information here.
Comprehensive Online Review for the PANCE/PANRE
from Exam Master
*Exam Master’s PANCE/PANRE resources are the leading resource for more efficient study, with content outlined into concise topics and subjects. All questions have an excellent representation of topics/subjects in the actual exam. Our extensive question banks feature the leading, most significant questions for a more focused study and improved board preparation experience.
Key Features:
- Over 3000 questions covering the PANCE/PANRE exam blueprint organized by topic, subject and categories
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- Detailed explanations provide thorough coverage of learning concepts
- Available in test, study and review modes for flexible learning
- Create notes, flash cards and mark questions for deeper study and retention
Special discounted access available through NCAPA, only $95 for a 3-month subscription!
To purchase, visit the NCAPA online store or call 919-479-1995.
*Exam Master® has no affiliation with National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) or Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB)
Welcome Members!
Welcome to our renewing and our brand new members!
The following members have joined or renewed their membership since our last issue. Thank you all for your support of NCAPA and all PAs in North Carolina!
Hita Abrams, Raleigh
Elizabeth Albright, Fayetteville
Sandra Alexander, Raleigh
Everett Allen, Charlotte
David Allgood, Jacksonville
D. Allred, Greensboro
Emily Anderson, Winston Salem
Bethany Applebome, Lake Toxaway
Tanya Arbogast, Durham
J. Michael Arce, Fayetteville
Carolyn Aros, Currituck
Whitney Ball, Statesville
Meg Beal, Chapel Hill
Brian Belfi, Jamestown
Marylou Bembe, Durham
Greg Beres, Greenville
Ronald Bewick, Winterville
James Blanton, Stanfield
Kenneth Boccaccio, Willow Spring
Hannah Boghosian, Cary
Toni Bowyer, Spartanburg, SC
Allison Brewer, Winston Salem
Allen Brown, Florence, SC
Meredith Browne, Winston Salem
Ashlyn Bruning, High Point
Vicki Bryant, Statesville
David Cable, Charlotte
Margaret Cagle, Waynesville
John Cain, Winston-Salem
Molly Calabria, Fuquay Varina
Terri Carpenter, Swannanoa
Todd Carrigan, Winston Salem
Detra Chambers, Charlotte
Jeffery Chance, Locust
Christa Clark, Charlotte
Paul Coleman, Raleigh
Gregory Conner, Charlotte
Ana Cooke, Kernersville
Caroline Cordell, Raleigh
Paul Craft, Jamestown
John Crawley, Fayetteville
Veronica Crump, Durham
Anthony Curiale, Fair Bluff
Tanya Darrow, Henderson
Stephanie DeArmey, Durham
Alisha DeTroye, Clemmons
Keisha Dixon, Wake Forest
Wesley Eagle, Salisbury
Lynn Eckert, Durham
Crystal Edwards, Lumberton
Mark Efird, Gastonia
Shaily Estrella, Lewisville
Vilayphonh Eure, Elizabeth City
Frank Everhart, Salisbury
Autumn Fingerson, Durham
Kat Flaherty, Fayetteville
Gerard Forest, Whispering Pines
Laurie Fox, Durham
Leigh Freeman, Durham
Mark Frieze, greenville
Anne Fulbright, Chapel Hill
Virginia Fulbright, Greensboro
Nanette Fulp, Winston Salem
Katie Furr, Oakboro
Tiffany Gann, Stoneville
Laura Geraghty, Morrisville
Allen Gifford, Hillsborough
Valarie Goines, Winston Salem
Amy Gonzales, Fuquay Varina
Armando Gonzalez, Wilmington
Bianca Goo, Fayetteville
Harriet Goodrich, Mill Spring
Liana Gottlieb, Kernersville
Nicole Graham, Salisbury
Catherine Haggart, Fletcher
Jesse Hall, Godwin
George (Wes) Hatley, Albemarle
James Heine, Fayetteville
William Heisel, Huntersville
Paul Hendrix, Durham
Lawrence Herman, Boiling Springs
Sylvie Hill, Raleigh
Michelle Hilliard, Morganton
Victoria Hinkel, Winston Salem
Audrey Hockeborn, Charlotte
Jena Hoh, Wake Forest
Katherine Holloway, Clover, SC
Debra Holmes, Wake Forest
Kenna Holtzclaw, Charlotte
Susan Hopkins, Raleigh
Charles Hudson, Greensboro
Ruth Huffman, Wilson
Cashin Hunt, Winston-Salem
Carla Hupert, Wilmington
Julie Izaj, Jamestown
Toni Jackson, Clemmons
Carolyn Jarrell, charlotte
William Jarrett, Elkin
Julie Johannes, Greenville
Dana Johnson, Cary
Meagan Jones, Charlotte
Gloria Jordan, Autryville
Angela Joyner, Charlotte
Sarah Junker, Pfafftown
Chetan Kapat, Raleigh
Marc Katz, Vale
Theresa Kelly, Winston Salem
Michael Knott, Clayton
William Kraak, Black Mountain
Natalia Kulik, Raeford
Donna Lang, Charlotte
Jennifer Lemmon, Hendersonville
Kayla Lerro, Stuart, FL
Antoinette Levy, Matthews
Leslie Lewis, Reidsville
Melissa Lewis, Greenville
Reginald Locklear, Raleigh
Michael Long, Huntersville
Donna Lowcher, Nags Head
Albert Lundquist, Greensboro
Joseph Lutz, Lewisburg, WV
Susan Lyerly, Winston-Salem
Charmeen Mack, Charlotte
Side Mack Jr., Greensboro
Andrew Maier, Summerfield
Phyllis Malanka, Wilmington
Canio Marcantonio, Winston-Salem
Deanna Markham, Asheboro
Henry Martensen, Burlington
Melissa Martinez, Asheville
David Mayer, Stanley
Jennifer McCleary, Garner
Gary McDaniel, Raleigh
Varnell McDonald-Fletcher, Durham
Shelley McElhanon, Charlotte
Catherine McGrady, Salisbury
Elizabeth McGurk, Dobson
David Minor, Randleman
Emily Mossow, Durham
Amanda Murray, Morehead City
Gary Nichols, Wilkesboro
Charles Niemeyer Jr, Gastonia
Brian Nordgren, Winston Salem
Chris Oliver, Creedmoor
Lori Pardue, New Bern
Julia Parkhurst, Stanley
Vidhi Patel, Fayetteville
Seth Pattan, Clayton
Robert Paul, Wake Forest
Brent Perkins, Ocean Isle Beach
Staci Pessetti, Fayetteville
Priscilla Petrash, Chapel Hill
Rebecca Pettigrew, Pinehurst
Alison Phillips, Asheville
Miguel Pineiro, Buies Creek
Leah Poovey, Charlotte
Mary J Puckett, Cullowhee
Craig Purcell, Cary
Wendy Readling, Davidson
Melissa Rice, Spartanburg, SC
Sybil Robb, Chapel Hill
Shervon Robinson, Charlotte
Meyassar Robinzine, Willow Spring
Kimber Roche, Greensboro
Larry Roediger, Roaring Gap
Diana Roetting, Charlotte
Samantha Rogers, Winston Salem
Carla Rohena, Winnabow
Ashley Ronk, Garner
Lucy Royster, Hickory
Timothy Rumsey, Fort Mill, SC
Michelle Saleeby, Winston-Salem
Chelsea Sams, Fort Mill, SC
Mara Sanchez, Cary
Lauren Schilke, Rougemont
Melissa Shannon, Chapel Hill
Daniel Shapiro, Wilmington
Zoe Sherman, Jarvisburg
Cynthia Shimer, Durham
Judy Shives, Rockwell
Luke Shoulders, Belmont
Claire Simmons-Valenzuela, Fayetteville
Jennifer Smith, Marion
Kimberly Smith, Apex
Lindsay Smith, Jacksonville
Brian Sorrentino, Hickory
Betsy Southern, Walkertown
Sarah Spainhour-Reese, Asheville
Thomas Spalding, Hillsborough
Christina Spinaris, Charlotte
Venayagaratnam Srikantha, Goldsboro
Erika Stack, Southern Pines
Todd Stack, Southern Pines
Howard Stallings, Greenville
Mary Stanbery, Greensboro
Sarah Stanley, Cary
Allen Stephens, Morrisville
Andrew Stern, Cedar Point
Erin Stover, Greenville
Ursula Sullivan, Chocowinity
Brice Taylor, Wilmington
Michael Towery, DURHAM
Tammy Triplett, Bassett, VA
Margaret Truesdell, Huntersville
Patricia Tulauskas, Mebane
Heather Tyndall, Kinston
Lou Valente, Winston-Salem
Jennifer Vande Loo, Shelby
Louis Velazquez, Ahoskie
Elaine Walker, Durham
Charles Walton, Wilmington
Elizabeth Ward, Wilmington
Elyshia Warden, Winston-Salem
Elyse Watkins, Advance
William Wearmouth II, Hendersonville
Scott Weaver, Greensboro
Elizabeth West, Durham
Courtney White, Raleigh
Kathryn Whittington, Durham
Sarah Wilkerson, Greenville
Krissi Williams, Kitty Hawk
Melissa Winters, Winston-Salem
Savanna Yount, Shelby
Delphine Zelaski, Stokes
