SDPA, in partnership with AAPA, is pleased to extend a special invitation to PAs in dermatology attending the SDPA Annual Summer Conference 2019 in DC, or those living in the area, to participate in SDPA’s Capitol Hill Day on Wednesday, June 5.
On Wednesday, June 5, from 1:00-5:00PM, join forces with your fellow PAs from across the country in conducting face-to-face meetings with Members of Congress and staff on the key legislative issues that directly affect the future of the profession and the patients you serve.
Wondering why you should take part?
This isn’t SDPA’s first rodeo! In June 2011, over 75 PAs in Dermatology hit the Hill as part of SDPA’s summer conference in DC. The event was wildly successful (click here to see the video highlights!), and PAs carried important messages to legislators on the topic of Medicare reimbursement and tanning beds. We want to build on that success with an event in 2019.
What’s the value of meeting with legislators? There is no better way to communicate the value of PAs and the care you provide than to have a face-to-face meeting. Legislators have told us time and time again that hearing from constituents is the most important factor in their decision-making, and that it is invaluable in helping them understand how an issue affects their district and their constituents.
What issue will we be talking about? We will be talking about a critically important issue to the profession, Medicare direct pay. Specifically, we will be building support for and urging passage of the Physician Assistant Direct Payment Act, legislation to authorize PAs to receive direct payment under Medicare. As you likely know, Medicare permits other health professionals (e.g. physicians, advanced practice nurses, physical therapists, psychologists, podiatrists, social workers, and others) that bill the program to receive payment directly under their own name, but not PAs. This legislation will level the playing field so that PAs are allowed to compete with other health professionals on the basis of their clinical competence and skill sets without the concern of administrative burdens hindering employment opportunities.
How will I be supported – is there any risk? There is no risk – advocacy is a skill ALL PAs need to have, and in fact, is something that comes naturally to PAs, as you will find that all your patient communication skills that you use daily will come into play when meeting with legislators and staff. We will support you in every way: AAPA will provide detailed logistical support, advocacy training, background on the legislative issues, materials, and will even schedule your appointments with legislators’ offices for you.
Novice and seasoned advocates alike will benefit from and enjoy the SDPA Capitol Hill Day.
CLICK HERE | Register for the Capitol Hill Day online today here.
(Note: Registering for Capitol Hill Day is separate from registering for the SDPA Annual Summer Conference.)
Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out, to kbutterfield@aapa.org. Thanks for your advocacy leadership; we hope to see you in Washington in June!
Kristin Butterfield
Director, Grassroots and Political Advocacy
AAPA
kbutterfield@aapa.org
