PA Modernization: One Contribution to Solving the Primary Care Shortage

The Michigan Legislature has a choice this session: Take steps to address the growing healthcare shortages in our state, or allow the 3.5 million Michiganders living in healthcare provider shortage areas to continue seeking care in a system not equipped to meet their needs.

As a physician assistant (PA) for 35 years, I know there is no one solution to the problems created by healthcare workforce shortages.

I also know that our state will never make true progress toward expanding access to care if all healthcare providers cannot come together. Unfortunately, finding common ground remains an obstacle PAs face when bringing solutions to the table.

Medical delivery has evolved over time, and our laws must evolve as well. Unfortunately, some stakeholders in our healthcare system are resistant to change, even though the status quo is failing to meet patient needs.

I have personally spoken to many lawmakers who say they are fed up with the infighting between medical groups, and the Michigan Academy of Physician Associates (MAPA) couldn’t agree more.

It’s time to put the focus where it belongs: on patients.

Two bills pending in the legislature – HB 4309 and HB 5522 – would help to pave the way for more efficient healthcare delivery in our state.

HB 4309 will bring Michigan into the national PA Licensure Compact, an interstate occupational licensure compact that streamlines the process for PAs to obtain authorization to practice in multiple states. Being in the PA compact will increase license portability for PAs, ultimately helping expand access to care for Michigan residents who need it most, while also allowing Michigan PAs to care for patients in need elsewhere. 

HB 5522 supports team-based healthcare by allowing experienced PAs to delegate tasks to other PAs within the care team. This will allow experienced PAs to continue practicing in circumstances such as when a physician leaves or retires, ensuring continuity of patient care. 

This update will build upon Michigan’s modern practice agreement model, preserving that framework while adapting it to today’s workforce realities – especially in situations where a physician leaves a practice or when a healthcare system experiences staffing disruptions. For rural residents, this update to the law could reduce the need to drive long distances to receive care, as 13.2% of Michigan’s 7,400 PAs serve in rural areas.

Here are the facts. Neither of these bills will add duties to a PA’s current scope of practice. The bills will not change education, certification, or regulatory standards for PAs. They will not raise costs for patients or the healthcare system. PAs, physicians, and all healthcare professionals will continue to collaborate – maintaining our commitment to providing high-quality, team-based care.

Here is another fact: There is a shortage of healthcare providers, yet no shortage of patients. That problem is not going to fix itself, and neither are the outdated laws on the books.

It's time to push past resistance to much-needed, commonsense updates to healthcare provider laws. I urge all Michigan legislators to get behind their constituents and pass HB 4309 and HB 5522.

Michael White, PA-C