Summary of NCCPA Board Actions and Issues
The NCCPA Board of Directors met on Sunday, August 6, 2006. The following summary describes the actions taken and issues addressed at that meeting.
Presentation from the Society for the Preservation of Physician Assistant History
The NCCPA Board of Directors welcomed Reginald Carter, PhD, PA and director of the Society for the Preservation of Physician Assistant History to the Board meeting. Dr. Carter provided the Board with an update on the recent activities of the Society and invited NCCPA Board members to visit the PA History Office at its new home in the Stead Center.
Continued Discussions on Specialty Recognition
In June 2006, NCCPA hosted a Forum in Atlanta that was attended by representatives from 31 PA and physician specialty groups and PA professional organizations to address the issues facing specialty PAs. Two recurring themes were evident during the Forum: (1) specialty organizations were grateful for the opportunity to share their input with NCCPA, and (2) there is a need for additional educational activities for specialty PAs.
During the Forum, it also became clear that various group are facing different challenges, and the Task Force will continue to work with the specialty groups to investigate the specific concerns of each group and to gather information that will help shape NCCPA’s development of specialty recognition.
Continued Discussions on a New Format for PANRE
The Research and Test Development Committee provided the Board with preliminary information on the development of potential specialty modules for PANRE. During the next few months, NCCPA will continue to analyze the pool of test items and the percentages of PAs working in various specialties to determine the initial modules to include as part of PANRE. The PANRE will maintain its generalist focus and will not be used to confer specialty recognition.
Clarification of PANCE Eligibility Policy
The current eligibility policy for PANCE, approved by the Board in 2003, requires PAs to pass PANCE within six attempts and within six years of graduating from a PA training program. Two individuals have reached the six attempt limit, and the Board revisited the policy to clarify whether there is a mechanism in place for PAs who have exhausted the number of attempts or the number of years for passing PANCE. The Board affirmed that individuals deemed eligible to take PANCE for certification on or after January 1, 2003 will maintain eligibility for only six years after completing the requirements for graduation from an accredited physician assistant program. Further, those individuals may take PANCE up to six times during that period. The Board will continue discussions in November regarding the options for those PAs who have exhausted their eligibility period and/or attempts.
Other Issues & Decisions
- The Board approved a policy revision to combing the test committee reimbursement and honoraria payment structure for 2007.
- The NCCPA Board of Directors approved a revision to the Procedures for Submitting a Complaint Against a PA-C Designee.
- The Board received a report from the NCCPA Foundation.
Next Meeting
The Board and its committees will convene November 10-12 in Dallas, Texas.
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