In this issue:
President’s Message
Legislative Affairs: Post-Session Update
PA Seat Open on NC Medical Board
Service on the NC Medical Board: Interview with Robin Hunter Buskey, PA-C
NCAPA Membership: Time to Renew!
Registration is Open! 30th Annual NCAPA Recertification Exam Review Conference
Annual NCAPA Summer Conference Room Block is Open!
Students in North Carolina PA Programs Awarded Grants
NCAPA Regional Chapter Updates
NCAPA Leader Introduction: Linda Sekhon
PA Summer Blood Drive Reaches New High
Mental Health in America Requires a Collaborative Solution
New Legislation to Ensure a Robust Future PA Workforce
Collaborative Care Shown to Increase Access
NCMSF Receives Grant to Improve Access in Rural North Carolina
Welcome Members!
President’s Message
by Marc Katz, PA-C
The November Board meeting brings strategic planning for 2016 to your NCAPA Board of Directors. Last year’s strategic planning set an ambitious set of goals and priorities for 2015 and I am happy to report that the Board, either through its committees, task force assignments, or individuals, has touched on each of the issues set forth before them. I would like to highlight some of our major goals accomplished this year:
The Communications and Marketing Committee has brought to the Board a comprehensive marketing plan for NCAPA and the PA profession for 2016. NCAPA wants our colleagues to know who we are and our patients to know exactly who and what PAs are.
The Continuing Education Committee now has three arms to better serve the Academy.
- The Conference Management Panel hosted the most successful conference on record in terms of revenue and numbers at our 2015 Annual Summer Conference.
- The Professional Development Review Panel continues to make our conferences and educational workshops the best value for your CME dollars while meeting the challenge of the new alphabet of CME requirements (SA and PI).
- The Education Development Panel continues to look at new and different ways of offering you CME through new technology and resources.
The Government Affairs Committee now has a dedicated staff person to assist with keeping North Carolina PAs on the forefront with respect to legislative, regulatory and reimbursement matters. The major goal of a dedicated PA seat on the Medical Board is now a reality.
The Health Committee has new energy, focus and direction. We have a professional and legislative responsibility to help our colleagues in need. The Academy remains committed to this purpose.
The Membership Committee continues to recruit and engage new members. Two networking events were sponsored in 2015, providing informal networking with PAs and PA students.
The Regional Chapters Committee will be reestablished in 2016. Regional Chapters have always been integral to our networking of PAs across the state. With eight chartered chapters, we remain committed to this concept. Two of our chapters held successful free CME meetings again this year, providing a total of 12 hours of free Category 1 CME between them.
The Student Affairs Committee sponsored another North Carolina Student Challenge Bowl, which is becoming an even bigger event with the addition of new programs across the state. In addition, the committee spearheaded a very successful video describing PA practice and introducing students and other viewers to NCAPA and our home, The Stead Center.
The Nominating Committee met its charge and brought forth an impressive slate of candidates for this year’s Board of Directors and Nominating Committee elections. Unfortunately, not all could be elected, but hopefully all will stay engaged with our organization.
The Governance Task Force has reviewed the NCAPA bylaws and has brought to the Board proposed changes to be voted upon at the November meeting. If the changes pass, they will be voted upon again in January and then sent to the membership for review. Next on the agenda for the Task Force is a review of the policies and procedures of the Academy.
Technology in the Central Office is currently being upgraded and work should be complete by December. This will make the office much more “user friendly” and set the stage for additional CME and volunteer opportunities.
These are only the highlights of what NCAPA has accomplished this year. I have to pause for a second and give thanks to our staff: Cathie, Carin, Kat, Sally and Sarah, all of whom work to implement what the Board has set before them. The Academy is so fortunate to have such a talented set of individuals working for our profession.
So where do we go for 2016? What additional services do we need? What needs for the practicing PA are we not meeting? How does the changing landscape of medicine change your needs of the Academy? What are our shortcomings? As always I ask for your input, dialogue and ideas. Thank you for your membership in the NCAPA!
Thank you,
Marc Katz, PA-C
Legislative Affairs: Post-Session Update
by Sarah Wolfe, Assistant Vice-President, McGuire Woods Consulting
BILL SIGNING DEADLINE PASSES
After the North Carolina General Assembly formally adjourned for the calendar year on September 29, the Governor had 30 days to either sign or veto all bills remaining on his desk. When that 30-day deadline ended at 11:59 p.m. on October 30, there were officially 300 bills that became law during 2015. New laws in 2015 range from requiring insurance for moped drivers to making changes to the state’s foster care laws.
Although the legislature will not go back into session until April 25, 2016, interim study and oversight committees are expected to begin soon.
DHHS BEGINS PREPARING FOR MEDICAID REFORM
On October 22, NC Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Rick Brajer named Dee Jones to be the operations director for the new Division of Health Benefits (DHB). This move was the first step in the multi-year process for Medicaid reform under House Bill 372: Medicaid Transformation & Reorganization. Upon the bill’s signature into law, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid & NC Health Choice was established, and DHB began the development of the 1115 waiver and any other State Plan Amendments necessary for the Medicaid transformation.
Medicaid Transformation Timeline
March 1, 2016: DHB shall report its plans and progress on Medicaid transformation, including recommended statutory changes, to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid & NC Health Choice.
By May 1, 2016: DHHS shall submit a program design and budget proposal for the creation of a Medicaid & NC Health Benefits Transformation Innovations Center, based on the Oregon Health Authority’s Transformation Center.
By June 1, 2016: DHB shall submit the waivers and SPAs required by this act to CMS.
By July 1, 2016: DHHS to renegotiate its contract with NC Community Care Networks, Inc.
18 months after approval of waivers & SPAs to CMS: Capitated contracts shall begin and initial recipient enrollment shall be complete.
12 months after capitated contracts begin: The current Division of Medical Assistance is eliminated.
January 1, 2021: The Governor must appoint a director of DHB for a four-year term, to be confirmed by the General Assembly.
LEGISLATORS, COUNCIL OF STATE MEMBERS BEGIN PREPARING FOR RE-ELECTION
During the last days of session, lawmakers passed House Bill 373: Elections, which moves the 2016 Statewide Primary to March 15, 2016. This move was made in order to increase North Carolina’s clout in the 2016 presidential primaries, and to maximize the number of convention delegates that both state Democrats and Republicans would receive for the 2016 conventions.
After two decades of holding the presidential primaries in May, the legislature passed a bill in 2013 that moved it to February in order to make North Carolina a bigger player in the presidential primary elections. Historically, by the time the state’s primary date arrived in May, many of the presidential primaries had already been settled, so legislators figured that moving to February would give the state more influence.
The move to February, however, was not sanctioned by the national Democratic and Republican parties. After the change was made, the Republican National Convention threatened to take away 60 of the state’s 72 delegates to the 2016 Convention if the state did not move the election to a date later than February.
After much negotiation between state party leaders and Republican legislators of both chambers, the March 15, 2016 date was agreed upon. North Carolina’s primaries are winner-take-all for both parties, meaning that the top vote-getter in each party wins all of the state’s delegates. If this conflicts with national rules, then state parties can opt out. Currently Democrats plan to award delegates proportionally, so they will likely opt out of the winner-take-all event.
The presidential primary will not be the only election held in North Carolina on March 15, 2016. All state House and Senate seats, the entire state delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senator Richard Burr’s seat, and the Council of State seats will all be on the ballot.
The candidate filing period for the 2016 elections begins at noon on Tuesday, December 1, 2105 and ends at noon on Monday, December 21, 2015. With the filing period starting soon, current elected officials who have decided not to run for re-election have started announcing their intentions to retire.
Click here to view the 2016 election tracker.
Applicants Needed: PA Seat Open on NC Medical Board
Qualified PAs are encouraged to apply for the newly created PA seat on the NC Medical Board. As a result of the passage of HB724 in August, there are now designated seats for a PA and an NP on the Medical Board. Due to this, the Governor asked the Medical Board Review Panel to reopen the application period for candidates for these seats. Applications are due by December 22, 2015. The Review Panel will interview candidates on January 30, 2016. For more information about qualifications and how to apply, click here.
Serving on the NC Medical Board : An Interview with Robin Hunter Buskey, PA-C
Robin Hunter Buskey was appointed to serve on the North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB) by Governor James Hunt and served two terms from November 2000 through January 2007. Her prior regulatory experience included five years as a consultant and oral examiner for the New York State (NYS) Board of Physical Therapy (November 1986 to March 1991) and nine years for the NYS Board for Professional Medical Conduct (January 1989 to December 1997). During Hunter Buskey’s tenure at the NCMB she served as chair of the Joint Subcommittee on Nurse Practitioners, the Board’s PA Advisory Council, and its Allied Health Committee. Committee service included Licensing, Compliance, Investigative, and Midwifery Committees and several workgroups.
NCAPA: What kind of issues came before the Medical Board during your terms?
- Significant changes to NP and PA rules and Medical Practice Act about CME, emergency situations, changes to NP and PA license for limited practice (elimination of temporary licenses), activation of the Joint Board on Nurse Practitioners, streamlined process for PA intent to practice procedures.
- Established by precedent a standard of patient informed consent and safety for community based research, established by precedent the medical responsibility for doctors involved with salons, revised and up-dated Position Statements of the Board, improved reporting of med-mal by insurers in NC, began semi random practice audits for NPs and PAs.
- Development of the policy statement about supervisory relationship with physicians and office-based surgery.
- Ran for and was successfully elected as the first PA elected to the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) Board of Directors (with outstanding support by the NCMB Board and staff).
- Provided timely reports to the NCMB Board about FSMB activities including the early discussions about MOC/MOL.
- Saw the start of criminal background checks for PAs.
- Saw the start of CPPs, including the approval of injections/immunizations by pharmacists.
- Participated in the consent order process (streamlined over my time on the board and the beginnings of re-entry agreements.
- The first osteopath was appointed to serve on the Board.
- Optometry-ophtahlmologhy discussions led to rule changes.
- Perfusionists were assigned for NCMB oversight.
- Contributed to the development of FAQs for PAs about the NCMB.
In addition, the Board underwent staff leadership changes (David Henderson became Executive Director); increase in legal staff/department, the elimination of a significant backlog of cases for hearing, changes to the investigative department staff resulting in reduced backlog in complaints waiting to be processed, changes made to the complaint review, office of the Medical Director, a re-engineered license application, licensing process, renewal questionnaires, and use of face-to-face interviews, leading to greater efficiency and more efficient use of resources.
We purchased a building (and became a landlord), managed funds, amended the Board’s bylaws and changed reporting to the public for transparency (releasing profiles about licensees). The Board increased emergency preparedness by CPR training and purchasing an AED. The Board composition changed to include more active clinicians. At one point I was the youngest, sole female and proud to keep my colleagues well fed during our evenings in Raleigh (I found lots of places for our dinners).
NCAPA: How much time do you think you spent preparing before each Board meeting?
I easily spent 25 hours per week during my first year on the board plus the monthly meetings. That time shrunk due to our commitment for efficiency as more clinical members joined the Board. Electronic files and interviews in our local areas helped. Use of the ALJ also cut down on hearings. The legal staff negotiated more consent orders.
NCAPA: What kinds of qualities and/or knowledge do you think are important to be a successful Board member?
Qualities for Board service include sincere interest in making a positive difference in the lives of our patients. The Board’s orientation program, support for FSMB participation, and use of mentoring by seasoned Board members will help any licensed PA with preparation for Board service. Must be willing to give the time and be a critical thinker. There is a lot of reading and requests for timely responses. Must also have support from their practice. Prior service is not necessary but some experience with a Board or committee is helpful.
NCAPA: What was the most rewarding aspect of serving on the Medical Board?
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the NCMB. I was happy to participate in the 150th anniversary gala. I continue to serve at the Board level with the PAAC and with the FSMB with service on several committees and I continue to coordinate the PA Meeting during the FSMB annual Meeting. Serving on the NCMB was one of the greatest Boards I could have ever been a part of. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the public and to have worked with a great group of professionals.
NCAPA: What advice would you give to a PA considering applying for the PA seat on the Medical Board?
I suggest that anyone interested should go to see a Board meeting in session. The North Carolina Academy of PAs has a rotation of its leaders attend NCMB meetings. Reach out to the staff, current and past Board members. Become familiar with the statute, rules, policies, and review the NCMB’s newsletter, Forum.
CAPT Robin Hunter Buskey is a senior Physician Assistant (PA) with the US Public Health Service assigned to the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina. She has more than 30 years of clinical experience in primary care settings as a PA and physical therapist. She provides coordination, consultation and education services for diabetic inmates at the Federal Medical Center complex. She serves as the Bureau of Prisons Mid-Level Practitioner Advisory Board Chief Clinical Consultant PA on matters of recruitment and retention, agency policy, clinical practice guidelines, and continuing medical education.
Hunter Buskey has extensive experience with boards, committees and mentoring. She has 25 years of regulatory service for public protection and is currently a member of the National Commission on Certification of PAs and the Committee for Individual Review for the National Board of Medical Examiners.
NCAPA Membership: Time to Renew!
by Kat Nicholas, Director of Membership and Marketing
Thank you for your continued support and membership in the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants. Your commitment has been invaluable to NCAPA as we continue to be the only organization in North Carolina devoted exclusively to promoting and representing the physician assistant profession.
NCAPA has been very busy in 2015. Of all of our accomplishments, we are most excited that there will now be a designated seat for a PA on the North Carolina Medical Board. PAs will now ALWAYS be represented in matters involving the licensing and regulation of our profession in North Carolina. Be sure to keep up to date on all legislative activity by checking out our Legislative Action Center. And have you seen our new video? Watch it and let us know what you think!
None of our accomplishments are possible without your support. We count on your participation. We count on your voice. We count on you. By now, you should have received your renewal notice in the mail. Please be sure to complete the membership application and send it in the mail or renew your membership online. We have lots of plans for the future of NCAPA and we look forward to you being a part of it.
Registration is Open! 30th Annual NCAPA Recertification Exam Review Conference
Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center
February 20-23, 2016
Durham, NC
NEW for 2016! The conference begins on a Saturday this year and runs through Tuesday afternoon. That means less time away from the office and more time to study for the PANRE!
Join us for the 30th Annual NCAPA Recertification Exam Review Conference. The conference agenda is based on the NCCPA PANRE exam blueprint and will be focused on a review of all organ systems. NCAPA plans to request 30 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME credit for the general sessions and 22 hours in workshops from the PA Review Panel. The total number of credit hours is yet to be determined. The full agenda with speakers will be announced in December 2015.
CME will be awarded to PAs, NPs, and Athletic Trainers. Whether or not you need to take the PANRE, this conference is an excellent review for any health care provider.
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 22, 2016, or while availability lasts. For hotel reservations, click here or call (919) 941-5050.
Annual NCAPA Summer Conference Room Block is Open!
Embassy Suites, Kingston Plantation
August 21-26, 2016
Myrtle Beach, SC
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 AOP.
Students in North Carolina PA Programs Awarded Grants
by Sue Reich, PA-C, MPAS, NCAPA Endowment Treasurer and Scholarship Committee Chair, PA-C
The NCAPA Endowment has awarded its 2015 grants to a clinical year student from each of the PA Programs in North Carolina. Thanks to the generosity of donors for almost two decades, we are able to assist well-deserved students who have significant financial need.
Caitlin Heredia is the first recipient from the inaugural class from Gardner-Webb University. She received her undergraduate degree from Gardner-Webb as well, majoring in Biology. Caitlin served as her class president and has been quite involved in multiple philanthropic activities, and has aspirations of working in primary care.
Nicole Oakley was awarded the grant for Methodist University. She was a Biology major at UNC-Chapel Hill prior to entering PA school. Nicole served as her program’s student representative to the NCAPA Board of Directors and has been involved in fundraisers. Cardiothoracic surgery is her desired specialty for future practice.
Abigail Pettigrew is the Duke University recipient of the William Franklin Cobb memorial grant. She was a biology scholar at the University of Virginia, participating in pathology research and religious studies. Experience as an EMT provider and instructor gave her excellent preparation for entering PA school. A career path in general surgery is her focus and she intends to expand care into underserved regions across the globe.
Leisa Tapia received the grant earmarked for an Elon University PA student. Her undergraduate degree in Biology/Biochemistry from Brigham Young University-Hawaii was earned as she was raising four children with her husband. She has been involved in community service projects and intends to participate in international medical missions with her family. Meanwhile, staying in North Carolina and working with an underserved population is her main goal at graduation, with a future plan to return to her home state of Hawaii to expand the scope of practice for PAs there.
Robert Barwick is the East Carolina University grantee. This father and husband graduated from NC State University with both undergraduate and master’s degrees in the area of Wildlife and Fisheries. Switching to a human biological focus, he became an EMT. His career goal is to work in primary care, which will give him the opportunity to make long-term relationships with patients.
Christina Spinaris is Wingate University’s grant recipient. She entered PA school after earning her PharmD at Ohio Northern University, where she was also a student athlete in soccer. Some of Christina’s philanthropic work occurred in the Dominican Republic and Indian Health Service and she has served as her class president at Wingate. Her career goal is to work in the area of transplant medicine in Charlotte.
Jana Villanueva is the Thomas Benjamin Houck grant recipient from Wake Forest University. She is a graduate of Bryan College in Biology and has worked as a teacher and been involved with medical service work in Tanzania. A wife and mother, she also puts energy into volunteer work for the student society, serving as the author of the student newsletter and founding the first ever student interest group (chapter of the Christian Medical and Dental Association) at Wake PA. Her desire is to work in underserved primary care.
Maura Carter received the grant for Campbell University. Her undergraduate experience at NC State University also included volunteer opportunities in community outreach, disabled youth projects and tutoring. Her service goals have continued into PA school as she has had leadership in organizing community health fairs. She hopes to remain in North Carolina and intends to be a student mentor in whatever area of medicine she pursues.
Congratulations to all of the 2015 student grant recipients. We sincerely appreciate the generosity of the donors to this and other worthwhile causes that the NCAPA-Endowment supports. Please consider making a donation to the NCAPA Endowment today!
NCAPA Regional Chapter Updates
Metrolina Association of Physician Assistants (MAPA), Charlotte, NC:
Congratulations to Lindsay Kuhn PA-C for winning Advance Clinical Practitioner of the Year presented by Carolinas Healthcare System (CHS). CHS has over 4000 ACPs working for them and Lindsay won. We are VERY PROUD of her!! Lindsay works at Elizabeth Family Medicine and also does clinical research.
MAPA has an updated website; please visit www.metrolinapa.org and check us out. In addition, please “LIKE” our page on FACEBOOK under Metrolina Association of Physician Assistants. We thank our Treasurer, Samantha Levering, PA-C, for all of her hard work.
NCAPA Leader Introduction: Linda Sekhon
Linda Sekhon, PA-C, is the Department Chair for the High Point University PA program and NCAPA Board of Directors Secretary. She is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and graduated in 1983 from Gannon University (located in Erie, Pennsylvania). She has been working in academics since 1996 and currently lives in Advance, NC.
What do you like best about being a PA?
I love everything about this profession!! I have seen a tremendous growth in numbers, acceptance, and quality of our profession since I first graduated. I also love what I do as a PA educator. Knowing that in a small way I have succeeded in helping a student identify their passion for the PA profession and provided them with an avenue to impact humanity in a significant way is my definition of “doing what you love”. I am very grateful for the opportunity to do what I love each and every day!
How did you get involved with NCAPA?
I had years of leadership experience in state and national PA organizations before moving to NC several years ago. When I arrived, I had the pleasure of meeting some amazing NCAPA leaders. I was highly impressed by their passion and dedication and I knew then that I found a home as a PA in North Carolina and quickly reached out to become involved.
Why do you think it is important to be involved in NCAPA?
Being an active member in your state organization offers many benefits. I have found that through my service to the NCAPA, I realize the full value of membership. The NCAPA provides timely information PAs need concerning state laws affecting our practice. They keep us current in the standards of care by offering excellent opportunities to obtain required hours of CME. The NCAPA offers many opportunities to get involved and make a difference in the future of our profession.
PA Summer Blood Drive Reaches New High
by Marian E. Cranford, PA-C
The American Red Cross Blood Drive held at the NCAPA Summer Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC, surpassed its highest goal this year. There were 81 units donated from 92 participants and potential donors over the two-day event.
The Blood Drive, which began in 2010 as the NC Medical Society Leadership College project of Marian Cranford, PA-C, has continued and is now incorporated into the Summer Conference agenda. In 2015, the event was extended from one to two days.
Blood donations are critical, as health professionals can appreciate. Each unit of harvested blood can help save the lives of as many as three patients. So over 240 patients had the potential of being helped with this year’s donations!
We strive to increase our goal each year, and each year we have surpassed it. A big “THANK YOU” to all participants and potential donors. Calculate your time carefully with your other donations at home and plan on giving in 2016 at our 40th Annual Summer Conference. And bring your family and friends who are with you at the beach – you don’t have to be registered at the conference to participate!
Mental Health in America Requires a Collaborative Solution
from Kevin MD
By Jeffrey A. Katz, PA-C, DFAAPA, President and Chair of the Board, American Academy of Physician Assistants; and James Cannon, DHA, PA-C, DFAAPA, Hospital Medicine and Psychiatry at Community Health Systems.
Getting mental health right for all Americans is a huge undertaking. For the last 150 years, our “solutions” to mental illness can, at best, be characterized as a series of good intentions that were poorly, if not disastrously, implemented. But while there may be a conversation that needs to happen about how we got here, what’s important right now is how we go about shoring up a system that is on the verge of collapse.
This year, one in five adults in the United States will suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. Some will be mild, some severe and some chronic, and more than 68 percent of these patients will also suffer from some form of simultaneous physical ailment. Antiquated legislation, impractical insurance coverage practices, and an increasing patient population have created one of the most severe provider shortages of any medical specialty. It is becoming harder than ever for some of our nation’s most vulnerable populations to access critical, often life-saving, comprehensive mental health care.
Read more here.
New Legislation to Ensure a Robust Future PA Workforce
from PAEA
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 are known for providing outstanding clinical care services, their aggregate unsubsidized loan limit is about half of their public health and health administration counterparts. To meet the growing demand for PAs, the issues of escalating education costs, student debt, and insufficient PA faculty must be addressed.
Read the full story here.
Collaborative Care Shown to Increase Access
from AAPA
A new study published this week in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the quality of outpatient care provided by healthcare teams that included physician assistants (PAs) or nurse practitioners (NPs) was equivalent to or better than care provided by physician-only teams across several categories of comparison.
“These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence that highlights the high quality of care and increased patient access PAs deliver,” said Jeffrey A. Katz, PA-C, DFAAPA, president and chair of the Board of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. “The collaborative, team-based healthcare delivery model, leveraging the skills of PAs, NPs and physicians, is an important solution as health policymakers look to optimize the nation’s healthcare system. We look forward to continued research evaluating the important contributions PAs make to patient care.”
Read the full story here.
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NCMSF Receives Grant to Improve Access in Rural North Carolina
from North Carolina Medical Society
The North Carolina Medical Society Foundation (NCMSF) is pleased to announce the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust has awarded a $440,500 grant to the Foundation’s Rural ACO Initiative to improve access to health care for people living in rural and underserved areas of the state.
The grant will span three years beginning in 2016 and enable medical practices to move to value-based models of care like Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Broadly, an ACO involves more coordination of patient care, meeting specific quality of care benchmarks for a population of patients served and through preventive care and greater efficiencies realizing cost savings. The change in how care is delivered, received and paid for in an ACO requires a large investment of resources and expertise to be successful. The Trust grant will help support this transformation in up to 15 rural practices over the next three years.
“We are sincerely grateful for the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust’s support. We see this as an important opportunity to demonstrate that ACOs are a promising health care delivery model, and, most importantly will increase patient satisfaction and health outcomes,” said Jim Hill, PA-C, President of the NCMS Foundation Board of Trustees. “Health care providers who serve the financially needy are often hard pressed for the time and resources needed to adopt innovative improvements like better patient care coordination and identifying areas for cost efficiency. This initiative will help prepare practices to thrive in the emerging value-based health care payment and delivery system.”
Read the full story here.
Welcome Members!
Welcome to our renewing and our brand new members! This is the time of year when we have an abundance of new student members. Welcome to all of you and we look forward to having you, not only as a PA student member, but as a future PA!
View the entire list of new NCAPA Student Members here.
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!
Steven Anderson, Fleetwood
Lucy Barden, Greensboro
Deanna Bath , Charlotte
Greg Beres, Greenville
Kristin Blankenship, Bath
Olivia Blue, Pleasant Garden
Samantha Bowman, Wilmington
Tim Boyd, Belmont
Sabrina Boyte, Morehead
Kara Cochran, Charlotte
George Collins, Matthews
David Coniglio, Buies Creek
McKenzie Cox, Charlotte
Daniel Culbreth, Wilmington
Valerie Cumbea, Cary
Tanya Darrow, Henderson
Karol Downing, Southport
Mark Efird, Gastonia
William Fenstermacher, Wilmington
Bill Gardner, Taylorsville
Bryan Geigler, Lewisville
Jennifer Jane Girskis, Cullowhee
Ross Goldbaum, Hillsborough
Sona Hamelin, Trinity
Wanda Hancock, Farmville
Jessica Hardin, Cape Carteret
Jessica Heath, Clayton
John Hoard, Wilmington
Danielle Hogan, Fuquay Varinia
Kista Hurley, Chapel Hill
Betty Lynne Johnson, Buies Creek
N Keeler, Winston Salem
Allison Knox, Huntersville
Katharine Kovacs, Raleigh
William Kraak, Black Mountain
Jeffrey Lamphere, Fuquay Varina
Rita Langworth-Brewer, Wake Forest
Jennifer Layton, Winston Salem
Ann Linn, Charlotte
Daniel Mattingly, Chapel Hill
Gina Mauldin, Holly Springs
Amy Maurer, Winston-Salem
Abraham McCoy, Durham
Carrie Merritt, Winston Salem
Roger Mitchel, Southern Pines
Kristen Monahan, Raleigh
Mellisa Nowak, Holly Springs
Nicomedes Osalvo, Durham
Holly O’Sullivan, Durham
Mark Pane, Lexington
Mac Pannill, Cary
Kishor Patel, Charlotte
Jimmy Patterson, Mt. Gilead
Megan Payne, Charlotte
Thomas Peluso, Pine Knoll Shores
Christina Poythress, Goldsboro
Beverly Robison, Durham
Brent Sapp, Winston-Salem
Erin Schulhof, New Bern
Whitney Shamp, Fort Mill, SC
Daniel Shapiro, Wilmington
Lisa Shock, Hillsborough
Kara Sloan, Raleigh
Britney Smithmyer, Apex
Blair Tomlinson, Charlotte
Luigi Troiani, Durham
Pamela Turpin, Reidsville
Bill Vaassen, Morganton
Deborah Williams, Hickory
Edmund Wise, Knoxville, TN
Deborah Zimmermann, Winston-Salem
