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The Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants is proud to report that before legislators adjourned yesterday evening House Bill 135, Physician Assistant prescriptive authority, received final passage in the Kentucky General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill now heads to Governor Andy Beshear’s desk to be signed into law. HB135 was one of a handful of bills the legislature prioritized before adjourning temporarily due to the COVID-19 outbreak, underscoring it’s importance to the health and well-being of Kentucky.

This afternoon HB 135 was passed out of the Kentucky Senate by a vote of 32-0. Senator Julie Raque Adams (R-Louisville) spoke on the legislation on the floor of the Senate.

This morning HB 135 was heard in the Senate Licensing and Occupations committee. Rep. Steve Sheldon was joined by KAPA Vice President Andrew Rutherford PA-C as they presented the legislation in front of the Committee. Members of the committee acknowledged Kentucky’s last in the nation status with regards to Physician Assistant prescriptive authority, while expressing reservations about the impact of adding additional prescribers to the system.

Legislative Day for Kentucky PAs on 2/6/20 was an outstanding success. Over 150 PAs, educators, and students convened at the Rotunda in Frankfort on the cold dreary February morning, to gather materials and last-minute instructions before heading to meet our legislators. Most of those with whom I spoke were students, yet I saw several old friends and colleagues.

As you saw late last week House Bill 135, modified prescriptive authority, passed the Kentucky House of Representatives. We could not have done it without the hard work of PA advocates, like you, across the commonwealth. This bill has strong bipartisan support, having passed with a vote of 91-1, but we need to keep the momentum up as we await a hearing in the Senate.

The Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants is excited to report that House Bill 135 has passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 91-1

We’re excited to announce that Rep. Steve Sheldon’s House Bill 135, modified prescriptive authority for Physician Assistants, has passed the House Health and Family Services Committee unanimously. This is an important first step in the legislative process and we could not have done it without the hard work of PA advocates, like you, across the commonwealth.

As you know KAPA leadership has been working diligently on advancing HB135, modified prescriptive authority for Physician Assistants in Kentucky. Our will bill likely be heard in the House Health and Family Services Committee, and we need every single PA in Kentucky to reach out to their legislators and ask them to bring HB135 to a vote. Fortunately we have a handy guide on how to make your voice heard!

The KAPA Board of Directors is pleased to announce a new lobbying partnership with Top Shelf Lobby, a well-renowned Kentucky firm lead by Marc Wilson.

“The Top Shelf Lobby team is excited about the opportunity to work with the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants.” said Marc Wilson, partner at Top Shelf Lobby. “The health care industry is one of the most complicated industries there is—and tackling complicated issues is where our team rises above the rest.”

Registration Now Open for the 43^rd Annual KAPA CME Symposium

Make plans now to join your friends and colleagues October 24-26, 2019, at the Lexington Convention Center for the 43^rd Annual KAPA CME Symposium.

REGISTER NOW and save! The registration rates will increase $75 on Friday, September 20th (students can save an extra $25). KAPA members receive a further discounted rate, so if you're not yet a member, consider joining to take full advantage of the savings! (Members: Make sure you are logged in to receive the special rate!)