To modernize city's health care system, let physician assistants use their skills
By: Jennifer M. Orozco-Kolb, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA
Modernizing Chicago’s outdated health care system must be a top policy priority in this year’s legislative session in Illinois.
For years, patients have felt the impacts of dated laws, overburdened systems and deepening health care workforce shortages. In the past two decades, nearly 1 in 4 Cook County hospitals have shuttered their doors, and eight hospitals have closed in Chicago alone. Research shows Illinois will face a shortage of 6,200 physicians in the state by 2030 and a deficit of 15,000 nurses by the end of this year.
As chief medical officer of the American Academy of Physician Associates and a physician associate/assistant with over 21 years of experience practicing in Chicago, I have witnessed how outdated laws perpetuate health inequities and access barriers. This has created a harsh reality that is evident throughout the city: Our health care system is dated, and often leaves vulnerable individuals without essential access, care and support.
By unlocking the full potential of physician associates and other health care professionals, we will take a step forward in realigning our city’s health care system to better match how care is delivered today.
Lawmakers must modernize health care practices statewide to create an environment where all health care providers are fully utilized, particularly physician associates. By passing SB271 (sponsored by state Sen. Javier Loera Cervantes, D-Chicago) and HB 2468 (state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora), bureaucratic requirements that hinder access to care will be removed to allow skilled health care professionals to practice to the full extent of their licensure.
Despite the profession’s growth and expertise over several decades, physician assistants face arbitrary, restrictive regulations in Chicago. The research is clear: Removing unnecessary regulatory barriers improves access to high-quality, timely and cost-effective care, without compromising patient safety.
Most Illinoisans agree that unlocking the potential of physician associates is a viable solution. A Harris Poll survey found that 89% of Illinois respondents believe they should be utilized to address health care workforce shortages, and 90% of Illinoisans agree physician assistants should be allowed to practice to the extent of their training, education and experiences.
Empowering physician associates to practice to the fullest extent of their abilities is not just a logical step — it’s a necessary one.
