Minnesota Academy of Physician Associates

Hayden Middleton, DMSc, PA-C

President

DEI Committee Co-Chair

Dear Colleagues, It is a true honor to serve as the 2025-2026 President of the Minnesota Academy of Physician Associates (MAPA). I’m excited to step into this role and work alongside the dedicated community of Physician Associates who make up the MAPA leadership team. We are united by a shared mission to advance our profession and improve patient care across Minnesota.

As we look ahead, my focus as President is clear: I am deeply committed to investing in our professional and student members, strengthening leadership development for current and future MAPA leaders, continuing the incredible advocacy efforts that are moving our profession forward in Minnesota, and last but certainly not least, ensuring we remain committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion within healthcare and our profession.

Supporting and Investing in Our Members Whether you’re a seasoned PA or a student just beginning your journey, MAPA is here to support you. This year, we will work to expand access to high-quality continuing medical education, enhance student and early-career programming, and offer new opportunities for networking, mentorship, and connection. We will be moving to one CME conference per year with different tracks to better support the education of PAs in different specialities. Our goal is to provide value at every stage of your professional journey.

Developing Strong, Visionary Leaders We believe that the future of our profession depends on strong leadership. That’s why MAPA is prioritizing leadership development across the organization—from our board and committees to current PA student leaders. We’ll provide training, mentorship, and engagement opportunities to help develop

confident, capable leaders who reflect the diversity and excellence of our PA community.

Advocating for the Future of the PA Profession MAPA remains fully committed to bold, forward-thinking advocacy. This includes working to advance title change legislation to align our professional title with the education, training, and responsibilities we carry as healthcare providers. We will continue to build relationships with policymakers and collaborate with other organizations to ensure the PA voice is heard and respected in Minnesota and nationally.

Remaining committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion I am especially committed to making MAPA a more inclusive and equitable organization. We will continue to promote diversity in leadership, create spaces for underrepresented voices to be heard, and ensure that our policies, programs, and advocacy reflect the diverse communities we
serve. We believe that a more inclusive MAPA strengthens not only our organization but also the care we provide to patients across Minnesota.

Join Us This Fall in Alexandria! I hope to see you at the Fall MAPA Conference in Alexandria, Minnesota, at the Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center on October 9th & 10th. We have an exciting lineup of speakers and sessions—and it will be a great opportunity to connect, learn, and recharge together. Register now at the early bird rate: https://www.minnesotapa.org/page/2025CME

As we move forward, I invite each of you to be part of this momentum. Whether it’s through committee service, attending events, mentoring a student, or advocating for change—your voice and your engagement matter.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I’m excited for what we’ll accomplish together.

In service,

Hayden Middleton, DMSc, PA-C

President

DEI Committee Co-Chair

Minnesota Academy of Physician Associates (MAPA)

In response to the tragic events that claimed the lives of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, critically injured, Minnesota Academy of Physician Associates (MAPA) issued the following statement:

“This violent and senseless act has shaken the entire state of Minnesota. The late- Representative Melissa Hortman was a respected legislative leader and a steadfast advocate for healthcare access, workforce sustainability, and policies that improve the health and well-being of Minnesotans. She was also a vocal supporter of increased mental health services and was instrumental in securing significant funding to expand
access to care.

Beyond her many policy achievements, she was known for her graciousness and civility, even in the most trying of times. Representative Hortman was the role model of what a public servant should be: finding common ground, leaving ego at the door, and seeing the goodness in all people — including those across the aisle. Her loss is profound, not just for Minnesota, but for every provider and patient who believes in a fairer, more
accessible healthcare system.

Further, MAPA extends its heartfelt concern and support to Senator Hoffman and his wife as they recover from their injuries. Senator Hoffman has been an extraordinary ally to Minnesota’s healthcare professionals, especially PAs. He has proven to be an approachable and thoughtful legislator with a consistent focus on improving healthcare.
In 2024, he championed legislation to modernize PA practice in behavioral health settings in an effort to ensure that more Minnesotans could get the mental healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the urgent need to preserve civility and safety in our public discourse and civic life. Our heartfelt sympathy is with the families and loved ones of these dedicated legislators, their colleagues, and all Minnesotans affected by today’s events.”

Key Takeaways from AAPA Executive Leadership Conference 2025

Chelsea Shaw, PA-C

The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) held their annual Executive Leadership Conference (ELC) in the Washington D.C. area on March 3-5, 2025. As the 2025 recipient of the MAPA leadership scholarship, I was able to attend this 2.5-day conference to further develop my leadership skills. Below are selected daily highlights that apply to all PA-Cs, regardless of current leadership role.

Day 1: Want to be a successful leader? Learn how to handle “hard” better:

Jennifer Orozco-Kolb, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, and former president of AAPA, gave a talk on resiliency in leadership. She played a clip from Kara Lawson, Duke women’s basketball coach, talking about handling “hard” better. If you have not seen this clip, I highly recommend viewing. Essentially, she talks about how we often are waiting for things to get “easier.”  In reality, we need to learn how to work through hard times because it will never be easy.  This feels especially applicable now as healthcare faces many challenges. 

Day 2: Unlocking your full potential: Leveraging the use of mentors, coaches, and executive sponsors

Trish Anen, RN, MBA and Emilie Davis, PA-C presented this session which dove into the differences between coaches, mentors, and executive sponsors as well as the importance of having these key people in your life. Not sure what each of these are? Below you will find brief definitions as well as scenarios where they may be helpful:

Mentor- A mentor is someone who guides and advises. They often share stories to help you grow as a leader. Mentorships can be informal or formal as well as internal or external. Consider seeking out a mentor to help develop a specific skillset. One of the speakers shared this definition: “Every person has two stories. The story in front of you and the story behind you. The story behind you is what you mentor on; it is your shared experience that you can give to a mentee. The story in front of you is what you as a mentee are hoping to shape through a mentoring relationship.”

Coach-A coaching relationship is “an ongoing relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results.”  The goal of coaching is to maximize potential in a safe, confidential space. Coaches will ask questions and challenge you to help you think in ways you may not have on your own; sessions are “hard work.” A coach may be helpful if you are looking to: improve/develop new skills, transition into a new role, or find a safe place for personal reflection. One of the speakers shared this comment on the importance of coaching which really resonated with me: “We only get more like ourselves without help.”

Executive Sponsorship- Defined as someone who holds sufficient organizational power and/or influence and can leverage that power and influence to drive change. There are two types:

• Change management sponsor – leader in your organization (CEO, COO, CFO, etc.) who can offer influence and power (often in the form of resources) to have greatest impact on your proposed change. Helpful if you are trying to make a change in your organization, but it is not going anywhere.

• Career sponsor- a leader in your organization who will advocate for your career progression, i.e., someone who will “always have your back” and promote you even when you are not in the room. May not be your direct leader.

Day 3: Getting Comfortable with Conflict

Speakers Martha Howell, EdD and Rebecca Lyon MS, PA-C shared key tools for use during conflict. Several tools that resonated with me were: 

1. Listen to understand, not to respond

 2. Respond with empathy and be sure empathy is genuine 

3. Try to use “and” in conversation rather than “but”

4. Check for clarity

One of the speakers then explained that communication is a two-way street, and you cannot control how the other person will respond. You can, however, use the tools above to communicate as clearly and effectively as possible.

Overall, I found this conference beneficial and am grateful to MAPA for supporting the cost of my attendance. In my lead APP role at Hennepin Healthcare, I have already put some of the concepts learned into practice. Additionally, I am excited to further develop the connections made with fellow APP leaders.

Please join MAPA in congratulating Chelsea Shaw on being selected for the 2nd annual scholarship to support attending the AAPA Executive Leadership Conference! This year’s conference will be held in the Washington, D.C. area (Tysons Corner, VA) in March 2025.  Chelsea serves as Lead Advanced Practice Provider (APP) for the Divisions of Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, and Allergy at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis, MN.  In this role and participation in the Hennepin Healthcare Provider Leadership Academy, Chelsea demonstrates a passion for leadership and advancement of the PA profession.  Conference attendance will contribute to development of leadership skills and resources to complement and advance these leadership pursuits. We look forward to Chelsea’s participation in the conference and engagement in propelling PA leadership to a higher level.

Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants Announces Name Change to Minnesota Academy of Physician Associates

Saint Paul, MN – October 6, 2024 – On the first day of PA Week, the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants is proud to announce its official name change to the Minnesota Academy of Physician Associates (MAPA). This change better reflects the role physician associates/physician assistants (PAs) play in healthcare and aims to more effectively
communicate that role with patients. PA Week, an annual event on October 6-12, is a time dedicated to celebrating the contributions of physician associates and raising awareness about their vital role in the healthcare system.

This year, MAPA is excited to mark the beginning of PA Week with the unveiling of its new name, aligning with the national movement led by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA). The AAPA adopted the new title in 2021, and 18 of its constituent organizations have followed suit.

"After considerable discussion and feedback from our members, we believe that adopting the title 'Physician Associate' better reflects the level of education, training, and clinical autonomy of our profession," said Clinton Billhorn, President of MAPA. "This change aligns MAPA with AAPA’s policies and enhances public understanding and recognition of the significant role PAs play in patient care."

MAPA remains dedicated to its mission of promoting excellence in the practice of PAs and advocating for the advancement of the profession within the state. With this name change, the
organization aims to strengthen its role in supporting the professional development of its members and improving healthcare delivery across Minnesota.

"We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to continuing our work under our updated name," said Alannah Zheng, Co-Chair of the Legislative & Reimbursement Committee

of MAPA. "Our next step will be to pursue legislation to update our professional title within Minnesota statutes.”

For more information about the Minnesota Academy of Physician Associates and its activities, please visit our website at minnesotapa.org or contact us at info@minnesotapa.org.

About the Minnesota Academy of Physician Associates
The Minnesota Academy of Physician Associates is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for the physician associate profession in Minnesota. Through education, professional development, and advocacy, MAPA works to enhance the practice and recognition of physician associates, ultimately improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Media Contact:
Jim Leahy, CAE
Executive Director
Minnesota Academy of Physician Associates
Phone: (860) 810-3298
Email: leahy@libertysquaregroup.com
Website: www.minnesotapa.org

Terry Panvica, PA-C, DFAAPA

Chief Delegate

Minnesota Academy of PAs

The AAPA House of Delegates set forth the shared values, beliefs, and professional wisdom of PAs across the greater AAPA community. Made up of representatives from AAPA’s constituent organizations and Student Academy, the HOD enacts policies and position statements on behalf of the profession.  Elected delegates participate in the policy-making process by making recommendations to the AAPA Board of Directors by submitting resolutions and being involved in reference committee hearings, which are conducted at the AAPA annual conference.  This year, our seven Minnesota delegates to the HOD convened at the annual AAPA conference in Houston (May 17-19) and considered nearly 70 resolutions!  These resolutions addressed a wide variety of topics that were discussed and debated in a collegial fashion.  For further information AAPA members can access the HOD website at:  www.aapa.org, Governance, House of Delegates, 2024 House of Delegates Meeting.  The Summary of Actions will be published soon on the AAPA website.

Becky Randall

Delegate

Minnesota Academy of PAs

As a new member of the House of Delegates, I was impressed by the passion and dedication PAs have for their patients and the work PAs do. With topics ranging from the doctoral degree title to the impact of climate change on health, it is clear to me that Minnesota PAs can continue to have a voice in the future of our profession and the impact we have on our patients. Minnesota can be proud to know that the next Speaker of the HOD is a Minnesotan and a MAPA member, Leslie Clayton. 

To view, visit our Podcast Page!

Candidates Elected
President-Elect: Clinton Billhorn, PA-C
Secretary: Vanessa Bester, EdD, PA-C
Director-at-Large: Katarina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C
Director-at-Large: Danielle O'Laughlin, PA-C, MS
Delegate to the AAPA House of Delegates: Brian Burroughs, MSPAS, PA-C, BC-ADM, CDCES, CHC
Delegate to the AAPA House of Delegates: Becky Randall, MPAS, PA-C
Delegate to the AAPA House of Delegates: Alannah Zheng, MSPA, PA-C

Director-at-Large: Katarina Astrup, MSPAS, PA-C	President-Elect: Clinton Billhorn, PA-C	Secretary: Vanessa Bester, EdD, PA-C	Director-at-Large: Danielle O'Laughlin, PA-C, MS
Delegate to the AAPA House of Delegates: Brian Burroughs, MSPAS, PA-C, BC-ADM, CDCES, CHC	Delegate to the AAPA House of Delegates: Becky Randall, MPAS, PA-C	Delegate to the AAPA House of Delegates: Alannah Zheng, MSPA, PA-C

Helmsley Charitable Trust announced its grant Tuesday to better equip about 100 hospitals and clinics, many of which have endured financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and can't afford the technology or training without help. Glacial Ridge Health Systems is one of the recipients.

In conjunction with Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), all full-time ED providers at Glacial Ridge have been trained to perform resuscitative transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE). Glacial Ridge and HCMC are the only two EDs in Minnesota with this capability. There are only a handful nationwide.

The grant will provide nearly $6.2 million over the next 3 years to the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians Foundation which will partner with High Quality Medical Education (HQMEDED) to provide free POCUS training to PAs and other healthcare providers in Critical Access health care facilities throughout Minnesota.  The POCUS education is being presented as the most robust ever presented anywhere in the World.  Bringing POCUS experts into rural and underserved communities throughout Minnesota.  The Educational Grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust will include no cost regional ultrasound CME conferences, written and online modules, teleguidance, and image review with an overarching goal of credentialing as many healthcare providers possible for important POCUS examinations and allowing clinicians to integrate POCUS in their daily patient care.

“These grants are a game changer for rural hospitals across the state,” said Thomas Pahl, PA-C, an emergency department clinician at Glacial Ridge Health System, instructor with HQMEDED, and member of the Minnesota State Trauma Advisory Council. “Clinicians and sonographers will not only have access to the newest ultrasound equipment on the market, but they will also be able to pursue educational opportunities to become more proficient at use of the equipment, expand the studies they can perform, and incorporate these skills into their clinical practices.”

$26.4 million grant helps Minnesota hospitals find life-threatening conditions Minneapolis Star Tribune March 21, 2023 

Helmsley Charitable Trust Grants Over $459,000 to Glacial Ridge Health System Alexandria Echo Press March 21, 2023

Haupt practices in hospital medicine for HealthPartners, serving as the supervisor for over 30 hospitalist and critical care advance practice clinicians (APCs) across three large hospitals in the Twin Cities. She will be the first non-physician clinician to serve as president of the Minnesota chapter of SHM; her term will begin March 27, 2023.

"Being elected to this role highlights that team-based medicine goes beyond the walls of the hospital and practice setting," Haupt said. "I want to use this position to engage our diverse group of hospitalists in Minnesota to strengthen team-based healthcare and improve patient care in the state."

Haupt has previously served as the director of APCs for the Minnesota chapter of SHM; she is also a past president of MAPA and the current chief delegate to the AAPA House of Delegates for the Minnesota Academy as well as the chair of MAPA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Haupt established the committee while serving as MAPA president after recognizing that to meaningfully move the PA profession forward, PA leadership needed to invest in and support underrepresented and minoritized PAs, PA students, and pre-PAs. 

After December 1, 2022, if you join or renew your membership, you'll receive a Minnesota PA lapel pin as a thank you.

The durable 1.25" metal pin is ideal for lapel wear. Traditionally, lapel pins are worn on the left side of your jacket.

We would love to show Tracy that Team Minnesota PA is also Team Tracy, and that we stand with her and support her in this tough time. Please consider:

• Wearing orange this Monday, December 12th, 2022. Tracy is scheduled to undergo surgery this coming Monday and orange is her favorite color. Send any photos of you and your colleagues in orange to info@minnesotapa.org so we can make sure Tracy sees them!
• Donating to Tracy’s Go Fund Me to help support her and her family.

You are in our thoughts and hearts, Tracy!

With Appreciation,

Carolyn

MAPA President

Over 90 attendees gathered to connect with other PAs, brush up on clinical knowledge, and earn valuable CME credits. Most PAs are in Minnesota, but we also had PAs from Wisconsin (7), CA (1), Montana (2), ND (2), SD (1), and WI (7). Five (5) were students.

During the event, attendees:

• Earned a maximum claim is 14 credits
• Walked to the local Rathskeller speakeasy for networking and relaxing
• Met 19 exhibitors who shared their latest products and best use practices with you.
• Heard from three product theater sponsors on topics and treatments for asthma
• Gave over $1,000 to the scholarship committee’s fundraiser.
• Thanked Nura Precision Pain Management for providing complimentary waist packs with hot/cold packs.
• Donated Walmart gift cards and 4 large bags of basic needs items to the conference charity, Life House.

Here are some comments from the attendee evaluations:

• “Excellent speakers, well-rounded topics. Coffee throughout the day. - Loved the social night - very cool place!”
• “The speakers were informative, interesting and the topics were relevant.”
• “Being together in person again. Such a great networking opportunity.”
• “Nice to meet other practicing PAs. Appreciate the lectures where I was able to glean information that I can use in my everyday practice.”

We stand with the AAPA on this issue (June 24, 2022 statement):

We believe strongly in the importance of the patient-provider relationship, and that this relationship functions most effectively when patients are presented with all the relevant and necessary information to make shared decisions in their care. AAPA adamantly opposes any external interference in the ability to deliver appropriate and necessary medical care.

AAPA will continue to advocate on behalf of patients, to uphold the privacy of the patient-provider relationship, and to ensure patients have access to services and information they need.

AAPA’s position on reproductive health and access to care for all patients is grounded in the principles articulated in our Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the PA Profession:

Patients have a right to access the full range of reproductive healthcare services, including fertility treatments, contraception, sterilization, and abortion. PAs have an ethical obligation to provide balanced and unbiased clinical information about reproductive healthcare.

When the PA’s personal values conflict with providing full disclosure or providing certain services such as sterilization or abortion, the PA need not become involved in that aspect of the patient’s care. By referring the patient to a qualified provider who is willing to discuss and facilitate all treatment options, the PA fulfills their ethical obligation to ensure the patient’s access to all legal options.

Fall CME Conference

Make plans to join us and connect with fellow PAs, earn valuable CME credits, brush up on clinical knowledge, and build up your PA practice toolkit at the conference.

This year's event features two days of live CME sessions, a networking reception, an Exhibit Hall, product theaters (non-CME) presentations, and more!

MAPA 2022 Fall CME Conference

September 22-23, 2022 (Th-Fri)
Holiday Inn & Suites Duluth – Downtown. 200 West First Street Duluth, Minnesota  55802

Registration is Open

Discounted early-bird rates end Friday, August 12. Register today to claim the lowest available rates.

 
Full conference registration includes:

• CME for Attended General Sessions
  
• All Meal and Breaks Provided at the Conference
• Exhibitor Networking in Exhibit Hall
• CME certificate (after completing the online evaluation)

HF3989 Signed into Law

On May 19, Governor Tim Walz signed into law HF3989. HF3989 adds physician assistants to many of the statutes that provide licensed health care providers with the rights, duties, protections, and authority to perform certain acts. This is the result of years of advocacy, grassroots efforts, and untold hours of dedicated work by the MAPA Legislative Committee, Chaired by PA Leslie Clayton.

What is HF3989?

HF3989 is  the 2022 PA Harmonization Act. It clarifies and makes administrative updates to current MN statutes impacted by our 2020 PA Modernization Act. These revisions will reduce administrative confusion and allow PAs to continue caring for patients without disruption.

The 2020 PA Modernization Act (updates to MN Statute section 147A) shifted PA practice from a supervisory to a collaborative model and allows PAs to practice at the top of their license and experience. Thanks to this Act, PAs have become more employable, and their practice is more flexible, which improves access to care for MN patients.

What did HF3989 do?

In Minnesota statutes, licensed health care providers are specifically given certain rights, duties, and protections and the authority to perform certain acts.  

This bill adds “physician assistant,” “licensed physician assistant,” “physician assistant services,” and related terms to existing language that gives physicians and other health care providers certain rights, duties, and protections, or authority to perform certain acts. The bill also removes language related to physician assistants acting under the direction of a physician and makes technical and clarifying changes.

AAPA News Article

Read the AAPA article promoting MAPA’s efforts to enhance patient care with the passing of HF3989. 

Iowa, Minnesota Legislation Strengthening PA Practice Signed into Law, published June 17, 2022

Assumed Board Positions

Candidates Elected

Mike Breunig M.S. PA-C

Mike Breunig has been selected as the 2022 MAPA PA of the Year. Mr. Breunig has received numerous awards previously for his work as an educator and mentor. He has published many articles related to point of care ultrasound (POCUS) and is seen as a leader in his division and within PA education related to his work with POCUS.

He has frequently presented on POCUS both locally and nationally. He serves as the co-chair of POCUS workshops at the annual AAPA conference and is also the JAAPA Editor of Diagnostic Imaging. He has received numerous awards previously for his work as an educator and mentor. He stepped up during COVID to work shifts beyond his FTE to give others a break.  He was identified as being extremely thoughtful in his approach to curriculum development within the Mayo Clinic PA Program. He creates an environment of compassion and generosity amongst others. Mr. Breunig elevates our profession and advocates for our profession locally, state-wide, and nationally.

Inaugural MAPA Advocacy Award

Leslie Clayton MPAS, PA-C 

Leslie Clayton was selected for the inaugural MAPA Advocacy Award. Ms. Clayton has been a fierce advocate for our profession for over a decade. She has held many positions in MAPA leadership including co-chair of the Legislative Committee. She has created deep, personal connections with legislators, lobbyists, and dozens of stakeholders to ensure the physician assistant profession remains relevant in every conversation about healthcare.

Through her tireless efforts, with untold hours of personal time, she saw the 2020 PA Modernization Act pass. She is now involved with the AAPA board, helping to craft policies and drive change for PAs nationally.  She is working with the AAPA to spearhead the 2022 Harmonization Bill. In addition, she is a leader in her healthcare organization, demonstrating how competent PAs can be utilized both clinically and administratively. Leslie is a tireless advocate for our profession.

MAPA Preceptor of the Year

Brittany Strelow DMSc, PA-C, M.S.

Brittany Strelow was selected as this year’s MAPA Preceptor of the Year. Dr. Strelow exemplifies the broad range of roles a PA can have. Through her clinical work in community internal medicine, she has precepted numerous students sharing her expertise with the next generation of healthcare providers. Through her work with the Mayo Clinic PA program, she assures that students are set up for success throughout their didactic and clinical years. She goes above and beyond in terms of meeting with students and ensuring they are doing well.

She helps students navigate through the challenges that PA school, discussing topics vital to the PA profession such as: self-confidence, having personal integrity, showing respect and compassion to all and maintaining composure during adverse situations.  She takes the time to get to know her students individually and selects clinical rotations accordingly.  Clinically, she came up with innovative ideas on how to increase preventative health screening in underserved populations and has led multiple quality improvement projects. She is a resource and educator on cancer survivorship and COVID-19 patient care. She is constantly working towards elevating the PA profession.  Through her hard work and dedication, she has influenced untold future PA’s.

MAPA Past President Award

Meredith Wold, PA-C

Meredith is the embodiment of what it means to be a PA: the team player, the bridge builder, striving for consensus whether it’s bedside with a patient, exploring why they weren’t taking their heart meds, or in the C-suite with the chief medical officer of a hospital, trying to understand barriers to utilizing PAs.  She is humble, and seeks to understand first, rather than seeking to be understood, always trying to get at the heart of a problem.  When she asks “wanna take a walk, grab a cup of coffee?” this is her way of having a crucial conversation, literally walking by your side, facing the problem together.

She is a consummate champion for her patients, fellow PAs, and for the entire healthcare team.  She questions everything and will blow apart a process to examine it and figure out where the sticking points are.  That way she’ll know how to improve upon it, all while building buy-in from stakeholders the entire time. 

Meredith is welcoming and inclusive, she loves gathering with good people, and wants everyone to feel they belong to the team. She excels at celebrating wins, gives you time and space to grieve losses, but won’t let you wallow in self-pity because there’s everyone needs to grow and develop from their experiences. 

Meredith has been recognized for her clinical excellence nationally by the Society of Hospital Medicine and has lectured and facilitated around the country about leadership, about optimal use of APCs in hospital medicine and beyond.  Her passion for teaching and developing excellence in PAs has led her to the inaugural directorship of our entire healthcare organization’s APC Fellowship program.  She continues lecturing at Augsburg and inspiring class after class of PA students.  She is a tireless mentor and teacher to PAs, PA students, and medical learners from all backgrounds.

For all these reasons and more; I am proud to present the Past President Award to Meredith Wold, PA-C.

-MAPA 2021-22 Past President, Elise Haupt, MPH, PA-C 

The MAPA logo was included on a flyer of health care organizations supporting the bill (PDF) .

Dear Chair Liebling,
I am writing in support of HF 3854, authored by Rep. Hollins, on behalf of the 3,300 physician assistants providing health care services to vulnerable Minnesotans. Minnesota's physician assistants are on the front lines of health care delivery, serving as the provider of care in over 10,000,000 patient visits last year. Minnesota's physician assistants provide high quality cost-effective primary and specialty care across the State.

This important bill would allow trained pharmacists to initiate HIV Pre- Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post- Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) medication for the prevention of HIV infections. The bill corresponds with national efforts by the CDC and state-based campaigns to end new HIV infections. Community pharmacies are accessible neighborhood healthcare destinations that should be leveraged to conduct HIV screening, and when indicated, provide convenient and cost-effective access to this life-saving medication. At least 12 states have already passed similar legislation.

In 2018, there were 8,575 people living with HIV in Minnesota and 288 people newly diagnosed with HIV. At the same time, only 2,830 Minnesotans were reported to take pre-exposure prophylaxis therapy (PrEP). Nearly 25% of those diagnosed with HIV in 2018 were diagnosed too late to benefit from these medications. Pharmacies stand ready as accessible, convenient, welcoming healthcare destinations to provide essential HIV testing and prevention therapy. Studies have also shown that since pharmacies are regularly visited for multiple reasons, and open in evening and on weekends, that some patients consider pharmacies to be less stigmatizing than traditional HIV testing sites.

Physician assistants understand that pharmacists are the medication experts of the health care team. They receive extensive training and have shown their expertise around patient assessments, side effects, point of care testing and drug therapies. Minnesota's physician assistants look forward to partnering with pharmacists on our own vital efforts to bring this life-saving medication to the patients that need it.

Thank you for your consideration of this bill that could make a real difference in eliminating new HIV infections by allowing health care professions to collaborate to greatly increase access.

Sincerely,
MAJ(R) Jenifer K. Detert, PA-C,

President, Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants (MAPA)

The Minnesota Legislature will reconvene on January 31st for what promises to be a challenging session. 

The top issue for the session will be what to do with the projected $7.7 billion budget surplus, the largest in state history.  The surplus was created by federal stimulus funds, reduced state spending in some areas due to COVID and better than expected tax receipts from individual and corporate income taxes as well as sales taxes.  

Some legislators see this massive surplus as a once in a lifetime opportunity to fund infrastructure, education, housing and other projects.  Others want to see the surplus returned to tax payers in the form of tax cuts.  Because a two-year budget was passed in 2021, the Legislature doesn't have to do anything.  If the Republican Senate, DFL House and DFL Governor can't agree, the funds will sit until the 2023 session.

An issue that is top-of-mind for all legislators is redistricting.  One result of the 2020 census is that state and congressional district lines must be redrawn to reflect population shifts in the; State.  Rural Minnesota has continued to lose population as the Twin Cities has grown.  A 5-judge panel is expected to draw the final district lines, which can be expected to result in some incumbent legislators finding themselves in the same district as their current neighbor.  This will mean intraparty fights for endorsement and primary victories as well as general election contests between incumbents from different parties.

All 67 state Senate seats, 134 state House seats and the Constitutional Officers (Governor, Attorney General, Auditor and Secretary of State) will be on November's ballot.  Because of the close margins in the Legislature, Minnesota is expected to be a priority for both parties nationally.  The House is currently controlled by the DFL by just 4 seats and the Republicans control the Senate by just 3 seats. 

MAPA's top legislative priority for 2022 will be its harmonization bill.  This proposal is intended to address the numerous technical changes in statues regulating PAs as a result of the 2020 PA practice act reforms.  There are many, many provisions in state law that now conflict with the 2020 changes and must be corrected.  

The House has announced it will continue to operate virtually, with no public meetings in St. Paul.  The Senate is expected to operate on a hybrid basis, under which hearings will be open to the public, but not all members are required to attend in person.  This creates a big challenge for lobbyists and their clients, as communications with legislators and staff will be largely reduced to emails, text and phone calls.  

Tom Lehman

MAPA Lobbyist