NCAPA

North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants

PA Team-Based Practice

PA Team-Based Practice

What’s happening?

In 2025, SB 345: PA Team-Based Practice was successfully filed in the North Carolina Senate at the end of Wednesday, March 19th, the same day as the annual advocacy day, the 2025 PA Day at the Legislature. PA Day consisted of 200+ practicing PAs and PA students in white coats traveled to the Legislative Building to meet with lawmakers and urge them for their support in enhancing PA practice laws in the state. 

In May 2025, Senate lawmakers held a floor vote, passing SB 345 unanimously out of the Senate! It now heads to the House to be heard and voted on. NCAPA will continue to keep Members updated on its progress.

What does the bill do?

PA Team-Based Practice Act would ensure that North Carolina remains the best place to practice as a PA. OTP will keep PAs accountable for the care they provide and will keep team-based, collaborative care at the center of patient care and medical decision-making.

How did NCAPA get here?

In 2018, NCAPA traveled across the state to share information and listen to thoughts and concerns PAs have regarding OTP. These listening sessions provided an excellent opportunity for NCAPA leadership to hear directly from PAs in North Carolina. Through those sessions, we learned:

  • PAs overwhelmingly support OTP and want NCAPA to work toward modernizing our practice laws.
  • PAs take immense pride in their profession and are dedicated to ensuring NC is the best place to practice as a PA.
  • PAs are committed to working in healthcare teams, and Optimal Team Practice aligns with that commitment.
  • PAs care deeply for their patients and don’t want legislative or regulatory limitations to come between them and providing the best care for their patients.

Based on PA input in North Carolina, NCAPA began working with stakeholders to develop support and craft OTP legislation. We are working hard to make it a reality!

Ultimately, our goal is that this work will result in a modern practice environment emphasizing team-based care and ensures North Carolina is the best state to be a PA.

How can I get involved?

NCAPA is working to ensure PA practice laws and regulations better match current practice environments.

Fill out the form to the right to join the NCAPA Grassroots network, where you will be updated on any relevant Action Alerts and any grassroots campaigns to promote and progress the PA profession in North Carolina.

To view other key bills that the NCAPA is monitoring, click here.