IAPA Applauds Legislation to Expand PA Practice and Improve Health Care Access
IAPA Applauds Legislation to Expand PA Practice and Improve Health Care Access
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Academy of PAs (IAPA) strongly supports legislation introduced by State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes (D-Chicago) and State Representative Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) aimed at strengthening the state’s physician assistant (PA) workforce and improving access to care for Illinois residents. This bipartisan legislation is co-sponsored in the Senate by Senator Graciela Guzman (D-Chicago) and Deputy Minority Leader Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris).
Senate Bill 271 and House Bill 2468 seek to address Illinois’ ongoing healthcare provider shortage by streamlining the licensing and regulatory process for PAs and enabling PAs with more than 2,000 clinical hours to practice without a collaborating physician agreement. This legislation would modernize outdated requirements and help retain highly skilled PAs in Illinois, improving access to care, particularly for underserved communities.
“By reducing unnecessary barriers to practice, these bills will empower PAs to provide the high-quality, timely care our patients need,” said Hazel Domingo, PA-C, President of IAPA. “We cannot afford to lose more PAs to states with more progressive laws, especially as Illinois faces critical provider shortages.”
According to the Cicero Institute, Illinois could face a shortage of more than 6,000 doctors by 2030, and the state already grapples with a deficit of over 15,000 nurses, according to the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center. This worsening crisis jeopardizes timely access to care, with patients waiting weeks or months for medical appointments.
“As a former health care worker, I understand the urgency of addressing provider shortages,” said Senator Cervantes. “This legislation will ensure patients have access to the skilled care they deserve while encouraging PAs to stay and practice in Illinois.”
“These bills are urgently needed across the state,” according to Dr. Quincy Scott, medical adviser to the Illinois Academy of PAs and board-certified family physician with 35 years of practice experience.
“For example, the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) reported in October of 2024 that each Southern Illinois county has a primary care shortage in not a few counties, but all Southern Illinois counties."
According to IAPA President Hazel Domingo, there are many false myths about this access-to-care legislation:
Myth 1. Some groups said the bill will negatively impact patient care because it removes the collaborative process between physicians and PAs.
However, Domingo said that individual healthcare institutions set the collaborative process and that this practice will continue under Senator Cervantes’ bill. Illinois PAs remain dedicated to team-based care and working with physicians. Also, Illinois PAs have never received any complaints from the state about dangerous practice, Domingo said.
Myth 2. Some groups say PAs will now have independent practice with this legislation.
However, under this bill, Domingo said:
PAs can’t open their own medical practice.
PAs can’t incorporate.
PAs can’t directly bill; they must bill through their medical practice and doctors.
Myth 3. Some groups say PAs will now have an expanded scope or practice with this bill.
Domingo said that is incorrect because the scope of practice is established at the healthcare institution level, not by the State of Illinois or state regulators.
Senate Bill 271 and House Bill 2468 are awaiting committee assignment. IAPA urges all members and supporters to advocate for this critical step to ensure better healthcare access for Illinois patients.
About IAPA:
The Illinois Academy of PAs is the professional organization representing the more than 5,000 licensed PAs across Illinois. IAPA is dedicated to advancing the PA profession, improving healthcare access, and advocating for the highest standards of patient care.
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