Advocacy

MAPA's Advocacy Committee working tirelessly to protect your ability to practice medicine.

As the only organization solely dedicated to representing Michigan PAs, MAPA is your strongest ally in ensuring that your voice is heard at every level of decision-making.

Our committee actively builds and nurtures relationships with key healthcare stakeholders, engages with legislators, state agencies, licensing bodies, and the Governor to influence critical issues affecting your profession. We’re committed to empowering Michigan PAs by safeguarding your practice rights and promoting the value you bring to healthcare in our state. 

Support Patient-Led Care

Chair Michelle Petropoulos
Chair Michelle Petropoulos
Vice Chair Garrett Smigelski

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Yasmine Affes

Leena Alhawati

Tyler Amores

Alison Badger

Jon Borton

Nicole Rataj Casady

Michael Coraci

Samantha Danek

Ryan Desgrange

Brittney Douglas

Matt Edwards

Yolanda Freeman-Hildreth

Brian Gallagher

Antonio Giannelli

Thadd Gormas

Ken Gorney

Brian Guindon

Patrick Handlin

Courtney Hige

Anika Jenks

William Kammel

Kara Keyes

Dennis Marien

Mathew Miller

Marc Moote

Michelle Petropoulos

Jennifer Pletcher

Charles Regan

Hannah Richards

Sarah Luna Salman

Sarah Scantamburlo

Rachel Snabes

Susanna Storeng

Rebecca Cronin

Advocacy MAPA Minute Meet MAPA Membership Michigan PA Newsletter

Why I Spoke Out in Lansing: The PA Compact Is Critical for Rural Michigan
Why I Spoke Out in Lansing: The PA Compact Is Critical for Rural Michigan

This week, I had the opportunity to testify before the Michigan House Committee on Rules in support of House Bill 4309, which would allow Michigan to join the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. Continue Reading

Postedby Jodi McCollum
Date posted05/3/2025


What’s Happening in Lansing: Understanding the NP Bill and What It Means for PAs
What’s Happening in Lansing: Understanding the NP Bill and What It Means for PAs

This week, House Bill 4399 and identical Senate Bill 268 were introduced in the Michigan Legislature that would grant full practice authority to Nurse Practitioners (NPs) upon graduation. This proposal would allow NPs to diagnose and treat patients independently. Continue Reading

Postedby Michelle Petropoulos
Date posted05/3/2025


Turning Data Into Action: PA Leadership in Michigan’s Opioid Response
Turning Data Into Action: PA Leadership in Michigan’s Opioid Response

erving on Michigan’s Opioid Stewardship Coalition (OSC) since 2022 alongside clinicians, pharmacists, public health leaders, and community advocates has been a deeply rewarding experience. It has strengthened my passion for ensuring that Physician Associates (PAs) are recognized as essential partner Continue Reading

Postedby Samantha Danek
Date posted05/3/2025


U.P. PAs Advocate for Their Patients
U.P. PAs Advocate for Their Patients

At Tuesday's Press Conference, Michigan Physician Associates (PAs) to Advocate for Legislation to Improve Healthcare Access. Continue Reading

Postedby Thadd Gormas
Date posted04/7/2025


Legislative Update - March 2025
Legislative Update - March 2025

MAPA is off to a running start in this new legislative season. As PAs, we must remain diligent in our work to progress and protect our profession. We face daily threats to our practice environment. Our greatest strength is to have the support of every PA in Michigan. Continue Reading

Postedby Michelle Petropoulos
Date posted02/27/2025


PA-Led Patient Advocacy
PA-Led Patient Advocacy

The next few years promise significant change—not just for our country and state but also for the field of medicine. Amid so much uncertainty, one thing is clear: Michigan PAs have a great deal to be thankful for. Continue Reading

Postedby Ronald Xavier Stavale
Date posted12/18/2024


DEA License 8-Hour Required Training - Discounted for MAPA Members
DEA License 8-Hour Required Training - Discounted for MAPA Members

U.S. Congress-mandated training in the MATE (Medication Access & Training Expansion) Act is required before you renew your DEA license to prescribe controlled substances. This training is now available from Michigan providers. Continue Reading

Date posted11/1/2024


2024 MAPA State of the Academy CME
2024 MAPA State of the Academy CME

MAPA Members receive this FREE category 1 CME just by watching the 2024 Issues & Answer Session from Fall Conference. The election is finally here! Never before have PAs been highlighted on the national stage like this year in Michigan campaign ads. Continue Reading

Date posted11/1/2024


Be Part of the 5% Leading Change – It’s Time to Act!
Be Part of the 5% Leading Change – It’s Time to Act!

Who are the PAs shaping Michigan’s future? You are! Last week, just 5% of Michigan’s PAs – about 465 of your colleagues – made a huge impact in Lansing by advocating for mental health care access. Continue Reading

Postedby Ronald Xavier Stavale
Date posted10/4/2024


NEW Three-Year PA License Announced w MAPA Support
NEW Three-Year PA License Announced w MAPA Support

As of August 2024, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has announced significant updates affecting PAs in the state. The new changes extend the renewal terms for both PA license... Continue Reading

Postedby Jonathan Albers
Date posted09/10/2024


Michigan PAs Attend the AAPA House of Delegates
Michigan PAs Attend the AAPA House of Delegates

Our Michigan Academy of Physician Associates (MAPA) delegates had a productive visit to the 2024 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) House of Delegates (HOD) meeting, which took place in Houston, Texas, during the annual AAPA Conference. Continue Reading

Postedby Julia Burkhardt
Date posted09/4/2024


PA Student’s First MAPA Advocacy Experience
PA Student’s First MAPA Advocacy Experience

Attending the Michigan Academy of Physician Associates (MAPA) summit in Lansing was a profoundly impactful experience, both professionally and personally. As a Physician Assistant student with a background in psychology and a deep-seated passion for mental health, the opportunity to advocate for the Continue Reading

Postedby Sara Luna Salman
Date posted09/4/2024