About ConnAPA
Can you afford to pay $20,000 a year on your own to retain the services of a lobbyist?
To continue to promote your ability to work in CT, ConnAPA needs the membership support of all PAs.History and Accomplishments
The Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants (ConnAPA) is part of a national network of constituent chapters devoted to representing and promoting the interests of PAs. ConnAPA has had a long and productive relationship with the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and ConnAPA members regularly serve on AAPA committees and boards. Elected representatives of ConnAPA participate in the AAPA House of Delegates helping to develop national policies and procedures.
ConnAPA is a growing organization that, in addition to the efforts of its dedicated leadership and committee members, employs professional management to handle the day-to-day business of the Academy and assist in the delivery of membership services. ConnAPA members enjoy numerous opportunities for professional development and involvement, as well as opportunities to meet and network with their peers (ex. CME dinners at no charge to members).
ConnAPA members founded the Connecticut Physician Assistants Foundation (ConnPAF), a charitable organization operated exclusively for educational and research purposes. The Foundation conducts research on topics relevant to PAs and awards scholarships to Connecticut residents enrolled full-time in accredited PA programs anywhere in the United States.
As with any professional society, the membership is its strength. ConnAPA’s members are committed to their profession and to improved access to cost effective, quality health care.
For comprehensive information on regulations governing PA practice in
Connecticut, visit the ConnAPA website: www.connapa.org your
membership dues at work
Some Major Accomplishments of ConnAPA
Affecting PAs Ability to Practice in CT
| 1990 | Prescriptive Privileges Bill passed allowing CT PAs to write prescriptions for Schedules |
| 1992 | ConnAPA lobbied for and obtained funding to allow the Health Department to hire the personnel needed to begin licensure. Registration procedures are implemented. |
| 1993 | The first physician assistant is licensed in Connecticut. ConnAPA lobbied for and received an extension of the deadline for licensure under the grandfathering provision of the law. |
| 1994 | PAs can prescribe physical and respiratory therapy. The first PA is appointed to the Board of Medical Examiners. |
| 1995 | State law mandates third party payment for PA services. |
| 1996 | PAs may make death pronouncements. ConnAPA is successful in expanding the PA/supervising physician ratio. |
| 1997 | PA to supervising physician ratio increased from 2-1 to 6-1 |
| 2000 | PAs may write for Schedule II and III drugs for outpatient care under certain circumstances |
| 2000 | PAs are now allowed to sit on medical advisory panels formed by the Board of Medical Examiners. |
| 2003 | PAs may become shareholders in their supervising physician’s corporation |
| 2005 | Expansion of prescriptive privileges |