In this issue:
President’s Message
NCAPA Awarded AAPA Outreach and Advocacy Award
NC Submits Medicaid & NC Health Choice Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver Application
AAPA House of Delegates in San Antonio
40th Annual NCAPA Summer Conference
Join Us in High Point for a Joint Injection Workshop
Student Leadership Retreat: Save the Date!
Comprehensive Online Review for the PANCE/PANRE
Apply for NCMS Leadership College Program
NCAPA Endowment Seeking Applicants for Board of Trustees
Journal of Orthopaedics for PAs 2016 Writing Awards
Regional Chapter Updates
PAs Seek Increased Career Flexibility and Options
Welcome Members!
President’s Message
by Wanda Hancock,MHSA, PA-C
As you may recall, NCAPA asked you to complete a survey this past winter. We were seeking input on issues that were likely to come before the House of Delegates (HOD) and wanted to provide member representation. We believe that the two different surveys, one which was offered during our Recertification Conference and one sent out electronically to all of our members, gave us good information about your opinions. We used your input as the basis for our position regarding the NCCPA proposed recertification changes. NCAPA intentionally delayed sending a position statement to the NCCPA until the survey was complete and we had fully evaluated the NCCPA position, reviewed the AAPA position, and participated in the HOD. All of this information helped us to prepare our letter to Mr. Denni Woodmansee, PA-C, Chair of the NCCPA Board of Trustees. If you have yet to read the letter, you can do so here. We’ve received some very positive feedback from some of our members regarding the letter and will continue to work on behalf of PAs and the profession to influence the direction of the proposed changes. I urge you to stay abreast of the changes and know that any response we receive from NCCPA will be shared with our members.
I have been quite busy during the month of May with the HOD, Executive Committee and Governance Task Force. In addition, I had the opportunity to participate in meetings with both the Government Affairs (GA) Committee and the Health Committee. The Health Committee has a new chair, Roger Austin, who is very eager and willing to meet the needs of NCAPA and the committee. The GA Committee is busily making plans for PA Day at the Legislature on June 15th. We are looking forward to a large turn-out for the event. Making connections before issues arise goes a long way. Finally, the 50th Anniversary Task Force planning is underway. Stay tuned for more information on all the ways to celebrate North Carolina’s love of PAs in 2017.
As you make your summer plans, don’t forget to attend NCAPA’s 40th Summer Conference! It’s a fun filled, family friendly week full of great CME! Make your reservations and register today to get the latest information about our practice, meet old friends, and make new ones. We’re in our 40th year – and it promised to be the best one yet!
Finally, I’d like you to consider a recipe for success I discovered from Leadership Matters. Everyone wants to make an impact. Consider making an impact on the PA profession –
First, catch a negative thought and turn it into a positive one.
Second, think of one thing you are grateful for at the beginning of each day.
Third, help one colleague at a time when you need help.
Thank you,
Wanda Hancock, MHSA, PA-C
NCAPA Awarded AAPA Outreach and Advocacy Award
Each year AAPA recognizes outstanding constituent organization (CO) programs and projects through the Outreach and Advocacy Awards. The awards program showcases the tremendous work of COs, whose accomplishments are acknowledged during the CO Leadership Forum at Annual Conference. NCAPA was presented with the AAPA Outreach and Advocacy Award for “Fostering PA Excellence” at the 2016 AAPA Conference. The award was given in recognition of the efforts and success in securing a designated PA Seat on the NC Medical Board.
Thank you to all the dedicated PAs in North Carolina that made this possible!
Read about more about the AAPA Constituent Organization Awards here.
AAPA House of Delegates in San Antonio
by Wanda Hancock, MHSA, PA-C
On Friday, May 13, 2016 the nine elected NC representatives to the AAPA House of Delegates (HOD) traveled to San Antonio, Texas for the opening Saturday morning session at the AAPA Annual Conference. NCAPA’s Executive Director, Emily Adams, also traveled to the conference this year to watch the House of Delegates in action and gain a better understanding of the issues facing PAs. We were all apprehensive about the number of solutions presented and the “HOT” topics that would be debated. The NC Delegation had certainly done our homework but could not anticipate how things would play out over the next three days. NCAPA submitted a resolution calling for the organizations regulating the PA profession to have their leadership consist of a majority of PAs. The resolution was created with help and guidance from Dr. Reamer Bushardt and Sue Reich and was approved by the HOD with some amendment. A Resolution of Condolence for Dean Minton was also submitted, paying tribute to one of NCAPA’s past presidents.
The HOD opened on Saturday with a respectful and patriotic tribute by the Color Guard in honor of our military leaders and their service to our country. NCAPA was represented by our finest: Gail Curtis, Speaker of the House; Jeff Katz, AAPA President, Linda Sekhon; Chair of the Nominating Committee, and Samantha Rogers; Member of Reference Committee B. In addition, Rick Ulstad served as delegate for the UAPA and Jerry Erickson was there as a member of the AAPA Foundation. The NC delegation was seated on the front row giving us a great vantage point on all of the proceedings. The PA History Society was also present, hosting a booth with information on the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the PA profession and fund raising activities for restoration of the Veteran’s Memorial Gardens at the Stead Center.
The House of Delegates accepted the agenda which included 44 resolutions. A total of eight resolutions were passed on consent agenda without debate. Of course, the most hotly debated resolutions were those making recommendations or appeals to NCCPA concerning the proposed changes to the recertification process. In essence, the AAPA HOD rejected the proposed changes by the NCCPA. The resolution that was passed, in abbreviated form from the AAPA BOD:
- Eliminates high stakes recertification testing.
- Supports initial certification process (PANCE)
- Supports use of evidence based alternatives to testing for recertification
- Opposes a closed book exam requirement, multiple exams in a 10 year period of time.
- Supports uncoupling the certification requirements from maintenance of licensure and prescribing privileges per state law.
Our debates and voting ended early Monday afternoon. This left time for the NC delegation and friends to present a special tribute to Gail Curtis as she adjourned the last HOD meeting to begin her new role as President Elect of AAPA. She has been a wonderful Speaker and received a standing ovation.
On Sunday evening, NCAPA received the AAPA Outreach and Advocacy Award for “Fostering PA Excellence” due to our efforts to secure a dedicated PA seat on the Medical Board. Marc Katz accepted on behalf of NCAPA. NCAPA also received an Honorable Mention for the video created last year that has been so successful in describing NCAPA and opportunities for student members.
Monday night was also a special time as all of the NCAPA “folks” attended the AAPA Foundation “Howl at the Moon” fundraiser. We had a tremendous time and left the conference feeling that NCAPA is truly a leader of the PA profession. Many delegates also earned CME and Emily worked to recruit exhibitors for Summer Conference. Next year’s conference will be in Las Vegas and mark the 50th anniversary of the profession. It promises to bring more interesting debate in the House of Delegates and an opportunity to celebrate with PAs from across the country our huge milestone.
NC Submits Medicaid & NC Health Choice Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver Application
by Sarah Wolfe, Assistant Vice-President, McGuire Woods Consulting
On Wednesday, June 1, the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) submitted their application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) for the Medicaid & NC Health Choice Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver. The Medicaid reform legislation that passed during the 2015 session, H372: Medicaid Transformation & Reorganization, required DHHS to submit the waiver application on June 1 to CMS, so that the state can change the state’s Medicaid program into a capitated payment system.
The waiver application is asking for approval for the following changes to NC’s Medicaid and NC Health Choice programs:
Initiative 1: Build a System of Accountability for Outcomes
Initiative 2: Create Person-Centered Health Communities (PCHCs)
Initiative 3: Support Providers through Engagement & Innovations
Initiative 4: Connect Children & Families in the Child Welfare System to Better Health
Initiative 5: Implement Capitation & Care Transformation through Payment Alignment
It is expected that it will take 18 months for CMS to review the application and negotiate with the state any needed changes to the application in order for it to be accepted. After CMS approves the application, the state plans to spend another 18 months implementing the new Medicaid delivery system across the state.
For more details on the waiver application: NC Medicaid & NC Health Choice Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver Application.
Additionally, DHHS held twelve public comment sessions across the state, where they heard from 750 stakeholders, and another 1,700 stakeholders submitted public comments through the internet. As a result, DHHS compiled a summary of all of the comments made during March and April 2016: Summary of Public Comments made on the Waiver Application.
40th Annual NCAPA Summer Conference
Embassy Suites, Kingston Plantation
August 21-26, 2016
Myrtle Beach, SC
Register Today!
We hope you’ll join us for our 40th Annual NCAPA Summer Conference! 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.
Our full agenda is announced and we are proud to present a variety of interesting topics, providing something of interest for any and all providers. Each lecture hour on the agenda will include case studies and clinical pearls that will be useful in YOUR clinical practice.
Click here to view the full schedule.
Click here for conference information & registration
And don’t forget to make your hotel reservation soon! Our room block fills up very quickly and some properties and room types are already full. Click here to reserve your room or call (843)449-0006 and use the group code AOP.
Join us in High Point for a Joint Injection Workshop
Saturday, June 25, 2016
9:00am-Noon
High Point University
Greek Conference Center, Room 103
High Point, NC
Registration is now open for a hands-on Joint Injection workshop to be held at High Point University in High Point, NC. This workshop will appeal to a broad range of practitioners who are developing joint and soft tissue injection techniques.
Register Now!
Anatomical landmarks will be reviewed using a unique teaching style. Participants will demonstrate the ability to implement evidence-based practice guidelines in clinical decision-making as well as demonstrate appropriate injection techniques using our joint injection models.
All participants are encouraged to dress comfortably for this workshop!
There will be an optional tour of the High Point PA Program immediately following the workshop. All are invited to attend the 90 minute tour of one of the newest PA Programs in North Carolina.
This program has been reviewed and is approved for a maximum of 3 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME Credit by the Physician Assistant Review Panel. Physician Assistants should claim only those hours actually spent participating in the CME activity.
Student Leadership Retreat: Save the Date!
The NCAPA Student Leadership Retreat will focus on clinical year students and providing them with information regarding what to expect in the initial years following PA school and how to be become a leader in the PA profession. The 2016 Student Leadership Retreat will be held on Saturday, October 8th and will begin at 9am with light breakfast and socializing and wrap up by 4:00pm. Lunch will be provided.
Final details are still being determined and an agenda will be provided as soon as it is finalized. Students: Be on the lookout for an email with more information in July!
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
- Quickly assess your strengths and weaknesses with personalized, detailed score reports
- 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)
Apply for NCMS Leadership College Program
from the North Carolina Medical Society
The North Carolina Medical Society Leadership College provides you with the tools to handle the rapidly changing health care environment and call-to-action as a physician leader. The requirements to participate in the year-long program are: membership in the NCMS; the endorsement of your nominating organization; and a willingness to grow professionally and personally.
Established in 2003, the NCMS Leadership College Program builds and enhances physician and PA leadership skills and equips graduates to become more influential in motivating and inspiring their peers to be leaders in their medical settings and their communities.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact Erin Grover, (919) 833-3836 ext. 134.
NCAPA Endowment Seeking Applicants for Board of Trustees
The NCAPA Endowment is currently seeking applicants for the Board of Trustees. The term is for three years and begins upon selection. Read about the Endowment here. If you are interested in applying for a position on the Board of Trustees, you can find the application form here.
Journal of Orthopaedics for PAs 2016 Writing Awards
from The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
JOPA, a peer-reviewed publication that covers all orthopaedic sub-specialties for PAs and NPs, is proud to announce that it is now published by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS), one of the most highly respected journals in the field of orthopaedics. To welcome JOPA into its family of journals, JBJS is offering $1000 awards for the following:
- Three best review articles by certified, practicing Physician Assistants or Nurse Practitioners.
- Two best review articles by authors who are PA students at time of article submission.
Find more information on this opportunity here.
Regional Chapter Updates
- Far West NC Physician Extender Associates (FWNCPEA) 3rd Annual Fall Conference will be on Saturday, October 8th from 8:00am to 4:00pm. The conference is FREE and includes continental breakfast and lunch. It will be held at the Balsam Mountain Inn, Balsam, NC. 6 hours of AAPA (approval pending) category 1 CME. Register at www.FWNCPEA.com.
- Piedmont Association of Physician Assistants (PAPA) will hold their 2016 Fall Seminar on Saturday, October 15th from 7:30am to 4:00pm. The conference is for PAs and NPs only and is FREE of charge. Breakfast and lunch included. 6 hours of AAPA (approval pending) category 1 CME. Visit their website for more information.
PAs Seek Increased Career Flexibility and Options
from the AAPA
More than one-third of PAs reported choosing their profession because it provided greater flexibility, according to a recent survey conducted by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA). To provide PAs with the career options they seek, AAPA’s Center for Healthcare Leadership and Management (CHLM) has partnered with CompHealth, the pioneer locum tenens firm, giving PAs across the country access to tailored opportunities that allow them to practice medicine where, when and how they want. Read the full article here.
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!
Rich Amato, Cooperstown, NY
J. Arce, Hope Mills
Ehab Awad, Marlinton, WV
Robert Baker, Hendersonville
Lori Beane, Trinity
Pamela Burr, Kings Mountain
William Carlson, Cleveland
Mark Cavaliere, Greenville
Nathan Conroy, Liberty
Lisa Cordero, Virginia Beach, VA
Ryan Crooks, Chesapeake, VA
Cory Davidson, Fairview, PA
Shana Davidson, Fairview, PA
Owen Davis, Winterville
Matthew Dobler, Charlotte
Jeffre Dochow, Pittsboro
Patricia Doyle, High Point
Nicole Drake, Hendersonville
Brooke English, Cary
Shannon Evans, Lumberton
Rachel Farrar, Fredericksburg, VA
Taylor Fischer, Candler
Glenn Glantz, West Babylon, NY
Laura Gleason, Durham
Bob Glincosky, Jacksonville
Kevin Healy, Salisbury, MD
Abigail Hemmings, Winterville
Mark Hepler, Summerfield
Angela Hinnenkamp, Horse Shoe
Sheila Honeycutt, New Bern
Shawn Hopkins, Greensville
Matthew Howard, Sugar Grove
steven huber, morehead city
Dan Ingram, Raleigh
Laurena Jackson, Raleigh
Ron Jandebeur, Charlotte
Eric Jividen, Centreville, VA
Chris Justus, Bristol, TN
Mary Keller, Elkin
Theodore Kistemaker, Winston-Salem
Sawyer Langston, Raleigh
Jonathan Lechner, Kannapolis
Jim Lee, Saluda
Maria Limmen, Clayton
Michael Long, Huntersville
Richard Lovenberg, Chocowinity
Kondie Lykins, West End
Scott Lynch, Big Flats, NY
Maida Martin, High Point
Kevin Martin, Morehead City
Shelley McElhanon, Charlotte
Ashley McKinney, Asheville
Laura Medlin, Whitakers
Rebecca Mercer, New Bern
Mike Modrow, Raleigh
Armond Morace, Greenville
Diana Morgan, Leland
Madeleine Mvula, Greensboro
Kimberly O”Brien, Greenville
Tia Oliveri, Winston Salem
Jay Oswald, Greenville
Wesley Reid, Hickory
Samantha Rhyne, Greensboro
Meyassar Robinzine, Willow Spring
Carrie Royer, Wilmington
BethAnne Seawell, Raleigh
Gregory Shea, Concord
Alicia Sigmon, Claremont
Lauren Strasser, Greenville
Aaron Swedberg, Charlotte
Jen Teagarden, Waynesburg, PA
Christine Thornsbury, High Point
Rodolfo Uribe, Holliswood, NY
Amy Varecka, Charlotte
Cynthia Wilborne, Danville, VA
Brian Wood, Franklinton
Clara Zelasky, Chapel Hill
