CT Physician Assistants: Sen. Somers “Helped Move State in Right Direction on Healthcare”

August 9, 2021

 

Candelora, Somers, Petit Helped Move State in Right Direction on Healthcare 

 

(CT Examiner Letter to the Editor)

Like every state, Connecticut is experiencing a healthcare provider shortage that was only worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To expand access to healthcare in our state, one of the first steps to take is ensuring that medical providers are able to perform key functions to maximize quality and access to healthcare services.

For PAs (physician assistants), outdated regulations can hinder the ability to provide the best possible care to as many patients as possible. PAs are licensed medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal health care provider.

Fortunately, the state legislature has recently taken action to update state laws to better align with how PAs practice today: on healthcare teams, in every setting and specialty.

The Connecticut Academy of PAs extends our gratitude to House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, Sen. Heather Somers, and Rep. William Petit for their leadership and efforts to secure the passage of Public Act No. 21-196, which recently became law. This law updates nearly 80 areas of state law by adding PAs – allowing PAs to do more for their patients and making healthcare teams more efficient.

This change is a step in the right direction, but there is more that can be done to ensure PAs in Connecticut remain able to provide high-quality patient care alongside our physician and nurse colleagues. Let’s all work together to seek out more ways to improve healthcare in our state – so that we can be ready for the next challenge the future holds.

 

Johanna L. D’Addario, PA-C
President, Connecticut Academy of PAs

Cromwell, CT

https://ctexaminer.com/2021/08/07/candelora-somers-petit-helped-move-state-in-right-direction-on-healthcare/