Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistances

From the President



Dear Kentucky Physician Assistants,

I am honored to address you as the newly elected President of the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants (KAPA). As we embark on this new year together, I am filled with enthusiasm for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Our collective efforts will be instrumental in advancing our profession and improving healthcare for all Kentuckians.

Our goals for this year are ambitious but achievable with your support and dedication. One of our primary objectives is to strengthen our efforts to ensure that PAs in Kentucky have the resources, recognition, and regulatory framework necessary to practice to the full extent of our education and training. By advocating for legislative changes, we aim to enhance the delivery of healthcare services and improve patient outcomes across the state.

Legislative achievements in 2024 were made possible through the generous grant provided by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). This grant has enabled us to lay the groundwork for several key initiatives, including expanding our advocacy efforts and engaging with lawmakers to promote policies that support PAs and the communities we serve. We will continue to build on this momentum, leveraging our resources to influence policy and effect positive change.

This past session we passed House Bill 361 which:
  • Provides flexibility in the requirement for the Alternate Supervising Physician 
  • Requires the chair of the Physician Assistant Advisory Committee to be a licensed PA
  • Requires that the PA members of the PA Advisory Committee be chosen from three candidates provided by KAPA.
  • Removed duplication from CME requirements
  • Adds a non-voting position for the chair of the Physician Assistant Advisory Committee to the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure
  • Your involvement and active participation are vital to the success of these initiatives. I encourage each of you to engage with KAPA, share your ideas, and contribute to our collective efforts. Together, we can make significant strides in advancing our profession and enhancing the quality of healthcare in Kentucky.

Our agenda this year includes:
  • Surveying PAs in Kentucky to ascertain what barriers are affecting practice 
  • Educating new members of the Senate and House in KY while re-educating sitting members regarding the importance and role of PAs 
In addition to our legislative efforts, we are committed to providing continued education and professional development opportunities for our members. However, none of these efforts can succeed without the active support and involvement of our members. We need your participation to continue our legislative efforts and to ensure that our voice is heard at the state level. By joining KAPA, renewing your membership, and encouraging your colleagues to do the same you contribute to a collective strength that is essential for driving meaningful change. 

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our profession and the patients we serve in our wonderful commonwealth. I look forward to working alongside you to achieve our goals and build a brighter future for all PAs in Kentucky.

With many thanks and warm regards,

Erin E. Chalmers, DMSc, MSPAS, PA-C
President, Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants