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 Photo of Jonathan Albers

                                COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Yasmine Affes

Tyler Amores

Alison Badger

Julia Burkhardt

Cristina Bustamante

Rebecca Cronin

Samantha Danek

Ryan Desgrange

Yolanda Freeman-Hildreth

Brian Gallagher

Antonio Giannelli

Courtney Hige

Patrick Handlin

                                                                                                                                                                                                

Ashley Malliett   

Dennis Marien

Jodi McCollum

Hannah Middleton 

Marc Moote

Michelle Petropoulos

Sarah Luna Salman

Sarah Scantamburlo

Garrett Smigelski

Ron Stavale

Susanna Storeng

Michael White

Advocacy MAPA Minute Meet MAPA Membership Michigan PA Newsletter

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


Myth Busting Common Misconceptions Regarding PAs
Myth Busting Common Misconceptions Regarding PAs

An anonymous survey of first year PA students was completed at a recent MAPA Professional Issues talk at Lawrence Technical University. Here are the questions, responses and comments. Continue Reading

Postedby Ronald Xavier Stavale
Date posted09/4/2024


Detroit Mercy PA Program Commitment to Diversity
Detroit Mercy PA Program Commitment to Diversity

The Detroit Mercy PA program is dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. This commitment aligns with our mission to ensure no student is denied access to education based on gender, race, religion, national origin, or economic status. Continue Reading

Postedby Yolonda Freeman-Hildreth
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


What a Blast (off) in Houston!
What a Blast (off) in Houston!

t has been about five years since I last attended a full AAPA Conference, and AAPA 2024 in Houston did not disappoint. There were a few challenges, such as the tornado that displaced one million Houstonians the day before the conference began, leading to some lodging issues for a few attendees, Continue Reading

Postedby Susanna Storeng
Date posted09/4/2024


MAPA's Patient-Led Care Agenda
MAPA's Patient-Led Care Agenda

The good news is that Michigan patients love their PA! 92% in fact think Michigan PA practice laws should be updated. Now, here is a little history lesson from my 41 years of experience as a Michigan PA. Continue Reading

Date posted04/30/2024


Michigan Patients Love Their PA!
Michigan Patients Love Their PA!

A new Harris Poll commissioned by AAPA finds that Michigan patients wait on average 3.4 weeks for a needed medical appointment and nearly 1 in 3 (31%) give the current healthcare system a failing grade, which is higher than the national average of 26%. Continue Reading

Date posted04/3/2024


MAPA Healthcare Professionals Argue Serious Need
MAPA Healthcare Professionals Argue Serious Need

Healthcare professionals from around the state are arguing there is serious need to improve healthcare by updating a law they consider outdated. Continue Reading

Date posted04/3/2024


Nurse Practitioners Urge Independent Practice Authority
Nurse Practitioners Urge Independent Practice Authority

The Senate Health Policy Committee received testimony on Wednesday, March 21st for Senate Bill 279 to allow for NPs to practice independently. Continue Reading

Date posted04/3/2024


MAPA’s Matrix Compares PA/MD/NP Education & Training
MAPA’s Matrix Compares PA/MD/NP Education & Training

The provider education and training matrix was updated in March 2024 to better reflect the continuing education (CE) for Nurse Practitioners. Continue Reading

Date posted04/3/2024


HB 5114 Mental Health Code Hearing Update
HB 5114 Mental Health Code Hearing Update

This week, the House Behavioral Health Subcommittee met to vote in support of House Bill 5114 to add PAs to Michigan’s Mental Health Code. Supporting testimony was provided by Michigan leaders in behavioral health and psychiatric medicine. Continue Reading

Date posted04/2/2024


MAPA Supports Rules for Three Year PA License
MAPA Supports Rules for Three Year PA License

MAPA Executive Director Thadd Gormas submitted a memorandum of support for updates to rules impacting Michigan PAs this month. Continue Reading

Date posted03/1/2024