In a Team-based Care Model, patients never have to navigate the healthcare system alone! They have a dedicated team, including their Physician Associate (PA), working together for them.

PAs believe in Team Based Care.

Why It Matters Today?

With continued advocacy, NYSSPA remains committed to modernizing New York’s PA practice laws — including eliminating the outdated and arbitrary tether that limits our ability to provide care.

This year alone, two key bills were sponsored in both the Assembly and Senate to support this critical effort.

To keep the momentum going, we need ongoing support from our members and PA champions across the state. Together, we can advance legislation that strengthens our profession and focuses on Team Based Care.

A Perspective on Access

PAs need and want to work closely with all healthcare providers, including physicians, to give patients access to high-quality care across New York State.

PAs are currently the only healthcare providers legally required to be linked to a physician through arbitrary paperwork. This requirement is not only unnecessary, but it also limits PA practice in a way that substantially harms patient access to essential care.

The PA Modernization Act (A.7988/S.7981) directly addresses this issue. It removes the outdated tether and updates state law to reflect true team-based care, where collaboration happens through communication and trust, not administrative forms. This change ensures patients can receive timely, coordinated, and high-quality care — no matter where they live.