PAEA Board Q2 Update: Protecting Access and Supporting Programs 

This quarter, the Board of Directors focused on reducing barriers, strengthening support for programs, and ensuring members have a voice in the policy, accreditation, and workforce decisions shaping PA education. 

Protecting Access to PA Education 

This quarter, the Board remained closely engaged in the federal policy changes affecting PA education and student access. 

In anticipation of the U.S. Department of Education’s final Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) rule, the Board worked closely with PAEA leadership and advocacy partners to assess potential impacts and position the Association to respond quickly once the rule was released. Following its release, PAEA and the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) moved quickly to launch coordinated advocacy and legal response efforts.   

The Board’s focus throughout this process has been clear: advocating for policies that protect access to PA education and support the future workforce pipeline.  

At moments like this, member engagement matters. Lawmakers need to hear directly from PA educators and program leaders about how federal policy decisions affect students and programs. We encourage members to participate in PAEA’s latest Grassroots Action Network campaign and help ensure the voice of PA education is represented in these conversations. 

Accreditation: More Direct Support  

Members have consistently told us that accreditation is one of the most resource-intensive challenges PA programs face, and that they need more direct, practical support when navigating reviews or potential adverse actions.  

In response, PAEA hosted a webinar this quarter, Navigating an ARC-PA Accreditation Review and Potential Adverse Action, designed to provide program leaders with practical guidance during some of the highest-stakes moments in the accreditation cycle. This is the first in a broader series of focused sessions planned for the months ahead. 

Our goal is to provide members with practical, targeted support for the moments when programs need it most, whether preparing for a site visit, responding to citations, or navigating probation. 

Building Leadership That Reflects the Profession 

The Board also opened nominations for the 2027 Board of Directors. 

The profession is changing quickly, and the Board makes stronger, more practical decisions when it includes leaders who understand the varied challenges programs are facing across PA education. We encourage members to consider Board service and to encourage thoughtful, engaged colleagues to do the same. 

As always, thank you for the work you do every day on behalf of students, programs, and the future of the profession. The Board remains committed to ensuring PAEA’s efforts continue to support members where they need it most.