MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis physician assistants (PAs) and PA students spoke to Tennessee leaders over the future of their healthcare careers.
Around 300 current and retired physician assistants, and PA students took part in PA Day on the Hill in Nashville, speaking to legislators on two bills.
SB 1170 would modernize the oversight and regulations of their scope of practice, which has not been updated in 25 years.
The other, SB1727, would allow PAs to provide care in other states and take part in telemedicine, which some say could help areas of the country where people do not have quick access to healthcare.
"Across the board in the nation there are healthcare gaps. We see those healthcare gaps specifically here in Tennessee in the rural areas," said Mallory Tatum, Physician Assistant Faculty Member at UT Health Science Center.
"We're there to help, we're there to fill the gaps for patients who have to wait six months for an appointment, it might now be three months or one month," said Scottlyn Williams, Physician Assistant Student.
According to the American Academy of Physician Associates, PA’s help with more than 500 million patient visits every year.