AAPM&R Joins State Medical Associations in Opposition to Scope of Practice Expansion Bills

Members & Publications

August 19, 2020

Your Academy joined the California Medical Association in opposition to California Assembly Bill (A.B.) 890, which would grant full practice authority to nurse practitioners (NPs) by removing the requirements that an NP must practice under physician supervision. This bill, being heard by the CA Senate Appropriations Committee today, would change how physicians and NPs work together to provide safe, effective, and collaborative care for patients.
  
On Thursday, August 13, your Academy’s State Advocacy Committee released an urgent call to action asking all members in California to send a customizable email to the Senate Appropriations Committee in opposition to this legislation. Additionally, your Academy engaged with the California Society of PM&R who submitted a letter to the Appropriations Committee in opposition to this legislation as well.

Your Academy also joined the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) in opposition to Virginia Senate Bill (SB) 5070. This legislation proposes to reduce the number of years of full-time clinical experience an NP must have to be eligible to practice without a written or electronic practice agreement from 5 years to 2 years. This bill, being heard by the Senate Education and Health Committee today, would essentially allow NPs to practice independently with less years of experience under physician supervision.

On Monday August 18, your Academy’s State Advocacy Committee released an urgent call to action asking all members in Virginia to send a customizable email to Education and Health Committee in opposition to SB 5070.

Your Academy considers NPs to be a vital part of the caregiving team. However, your Academy also believes that physician-led, patient-centered, team-based care is the best approach to providing optimal care for patients. As such, we will continue to address ongoing efforts by non-physician providers to expand their scope of practice beyond their level of education, expertise, and training. 

 

Legislation Introduced to Alleviate Impact of Conversion Factor Cut for 2021

Nov 09, 2020

Last month, two bills were introduced in the House proposing solutions to the estimated 10.6% Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor cut expected to go into effect January 1, 2021.  The bills offer some relief to the cut, but do not reflect a comprehensive or long-term solution.  AAPM&R has therefore chosen to remain neutral regarding these bills. 

Your Academy continues to advocate for a permanent solution to the conversion factor cut while maintaining the important payment increases to office and outpatient evaluation and management services.