American Academy Of Physician Assistants Supports Sebelius For Secretary Of U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 05 Mar 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the only national professional society to represent all physician assistants, announced today its support for Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

On behalf of the nearly 75,000 physician assistants it represents, AAPA sent a letter to congressional leaders detailing the health care reform proposals that AAPA will work to advance with Sebelius and Congress.

AAPA President Cindy Lord and AAPA Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Leinweber write in the letter:

"AAPA particularly looks forward to working with Governor Sebelius and Congress to develop and support reform proposals that meet the needs of the American people and match the principles of AAPA's policy agenda.

"These principles include access to quality, affordable, cost-effective health care for all Americans; the use of evidence-based medicine; physician-directed teams of health care providers; optimal utilization of primary care; emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention; comprehensive medical liability reform; and sustainable financing and payment mechanisms that take into account comparative-effectiveness information."

The full text of the letter is available here.

The American Academy of Physician Assistants is the only national organization to represent physician assistants in all medical and surgical specialties. Physician assistants are licensed health professionals who practice medicine as members of a team with their supervising physicians. PAs deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services to diverse populations in rural and urban settings. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications. Founded in 1968, the Academy works to promote quality, cost effective health care and the professional and personal growth of PAs.

American Academy of Physician Assistants

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