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Congresswoman Betty McCollum Commends America’s Physician Assistants for Their Commitment to Quality Health Care

December 15, 2010
Statements For the Record

I'd like to thank Chairman Waxman and Representative Frank Pallone and as well as my colleagues on the other side of the aisle Congressman Lee Terry.

House Resolution 1600 acknowledges the critical role of physician assistants (PA) by designating a week in 2010 as National Physician Assistant Week.

Forty years ago, the position of PA was created in response to a national health care workforce shortage.

Over 20 years ago, I had the honor and privilege in Minnesota to write the rules for PAs to function in providing health care in Minnesota.

I was the consumer member on the Board and I had a steep learning curve - working with doctors, PAs, hospitals, health care clinics, and patients from all over Minnesota in making sure PAs were able to address this workforce shortage.

The physician assistance service will be vital as we prepare for an aging population, the baby boomers.

PAs, as has been mentioned, work side-by-side with physicians, nurses and other professionals in providing high-quality, cost-effective health care.

Their work in rural and underserved communities ensures that patients receive the care they need.

I want to thank Physician Assistants, and the American Academy of Physician Assistants for all the work they do to keep America healthy.

Lastly, thank you to my colleagues for their bipartisan support. And thank you to Chairman Waxman, again, for bringing this Resolution to the floor.

Issues:Health Care