HHS | Final Rule

HHS has issued this final rule to revise the regulations that govern the Title X family planning program (authorized by Title X of the Public Health Service Act) by readopting the 2000 regulations, with several revisions to ensure access to equitable, affordable, client-centered, quality family planning services for clients, especially low-income clients.  This final rule also adds a definition of “clinical services provider”, which includes physician assistants.

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CT POST | Nora Frempong

We all know that receiving medical care can be stressful. Whether you’re nervous about a procedure, frustrated at the wait time for an appointment, or visiting a new medical practice for the first time, navigating the health care world can be understandably unnerving.

But PAs, or physician assistants, are here to help.

When you need health care, our goal is to be there for you. PAs are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and can serve as your obstetrics and gynecology health care provider. PAs improve health care access and quality, making it easier for you to get the care you need.

AAPA | Jennifer M. Orozco, MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA (President)

"I do want to call your attention to something new this year, which dovetails with our ongoing work for the new PA brand. We want to know how you answer this question: What is a PA? As a PA or PA student, you are one of the profession’s most uniquely qualified ambassadors and we want to collect real PA and PA students’ answers to this essential question. Fellow and student members who submit their answers and demographic information will be eligible to win one of six prizes. Find additional details and send us your response here." 

APAOG stands with our colleagues in Texas and in women’s health in opposition to the recent Texas state laws. As an organization dedicated to improving access to care for women, we are deeply concerned about attempts to interfere in the patient-provider relationship.

APAOG believes patients have a right to access the full range of reproductive health services, including fertility treatments, contraception, sterilization, and abortion. As healthcare providers, we believe it is our ethical obligation to ensure patients receive unbiased clinical information about reproductive healthcare. We also firmly support the ability for any clinician to refer a patient to a qualified provider when their personal values conflict with providing certain services.

APAOG knows first-hand the importance of evidence-based medicine, particularly in women’s healthcare. We oppose efforts that incentivize private citizens to pursue unfounded legal action against any healthcare providers. APAOG will continue our work to ensure all women have access to comprehensive healthcare.

Federal Register :: Criteria for Determining Maternity Care Health Professional Target Areas
A Notice by the Health Resources and Services Administration on 09/27/2021

AGENCY: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

ACTION: Request for public comment.

SUMMARY: In accordance with the requirements of the Public Health Service Act, HRSA, authorized by the Secretary of HHS, shall establish the criteria which will be used to determine maternity care health professional target areas (MCTAs) in existing primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). This notice sets forth the proposed criteria which will be used to identify and score MCTAs.

DATES: Submit written comments no later than November 26, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be submitted to SDMP@hrsa.gov.

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#PAweek is October 6-12, 2021.

APAOG is excited to highlight PAs working in women's health during #PAweek. Are you interested in being highlighted? We have a few questions to ask of you via the link below. Do you know of someone who would appreciate a shout-out? Feel free to submit the form on their behalf. We want to show our appreciation for all of you working so diligently for the women in your lives. Please feel free to email our office with any questions. Make sure you follow us on our social media accounts as we'll be sharing a during October 6-12.

Complete Form Here

The Women’s Preventive Services Initiative (WPSI)has extended the public comment period for the following draft recommendations: Counseling for Sexually Transmitted Infections, Well-Woman Preventive Visits, and Breastfeeding Services and Supplies. The comment period for draft recommendations is now August 20 – September 28, 2021. For timeliness, all comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PT on the final day of the comment period.

After this public comment opportunity, the Multidisciplinary Steering Committee will review the public comments submitted. The final draft recommendations will be submitted to the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for review and inclusion under the Health Resources and Services Administration-supported Women’s Preventive Services Guidelines.

September 15, 2021 | Press Release

The Energy & Commerce Committee advanced critical investments from the Momnibus, including funding to address social determinants of maternal health, grow and diversify the perinatal workforce, and support community-based organizations working to promote maternal health equity

WASHINGTON—Today, Black Maternal Health Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12) applauded the Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing critical investments from the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R. 959/S. 346) in the Committee’s markup of the Build Back Better Act. The legislation now goes to the House Committee on Budget before heading to the full House of Representatives.  

“Today’s Energy and Commerce Committee markup was a historic milestone in the mission to save moms’ lives and end maternal health disparities in the United States,” said Rep. Underwood, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “I’m thankful for the leadership of Chairman Pallone in advancing the Momnibus through the Committee’s Build Back Better Act legislation, including critical resources for community-based organizations, funding to address social determinants of maternal health, and investments in the perinatal workforce. We are closer than ever to making the transformative change that is needed to achieve true birth equity in the America and I am grateful for the support of the Biden-Harris Administration, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, and maternal health champions in the House and Senate as we work together to get this legislation passed and signed into law.”  

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ACOG | News Release Update

“As the leading organizations representing experts in maternal care and public health professionals that advocate and educate about vaccination, we strongly urge all pregnant individuals—along with recently pregnant, planning to become pregnant, lactating and other eligible individuals—to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Pregnant individuals are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection, including death. With cases rising as a result of the Delta variant, the best way for pregnant individuals to protect themselves against the potential harm from COVID-19 infection is to be vaccinated.

“Maternal care experts want the best outcomes for their patients, and that means both a healthy parent and a healthy baby. Data from tens of thousands of reporting individuals have shown that the COVID-19 vaccine is both safe and effective when administered during pregnancy. The same data have been equally reassuring when it comes to infants born to vaccinated individuals. Moreover, COVID-19 vaccines have no impact on fertility.

“Pregnant individuals and those planning to become pregnant should feel confident in choosing vaccination to protect themselves, their infants, their families, and their communities.”

Also signed by: the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, the Association of PAs in Obstetrics & Gynecology, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists.

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Today, Congress can take a historic step forward in ending our nation's maternal health crisis by advancing the #Momnibus Act investments included in the Energy Commerce #BuildBackBetter Act legislation. Our moms don't have any time to wait!

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