SB 112 - An Act to Authorize Physician Assistants (PAs) to be Identified as a Treating & Billing Providers

ARAPA Members:

We are thrilled to announce our support for SB 112 - An Act to Authorize Physician Assistants (PAs) to be Identified as a Treating Provider for Insurance Billing and Claims and to Bill and Receive Payment for Provided Healthcare Services. This bill passed through the Senate on March 7th passed in the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on March 9th. It is scheduled to go before the House of Representatives on Friday March 10. We urge all members of ARAPA to show their support for this important legislation.

If this bill is passed, it will have a significant positive impact on the ability of PAs in Arkansas to be recognized as rendering providers with Arkansas Medicaid and to directly bill insurers. This will not only enhance the accessibility of healthcare services for patients but will also greatly benefit PAs by increasing their recognition as healthcare providers.

At ARAPA, we are dedicated to advocating for the interests and needs of PAs in Arkansas. We believe that this bill is a critical step towards empowering PAs to provide quality healthcare services and advancing the PA profession in our state. ARAPA has been pursuing rendering provider status with Medicaid however this bill also achieves billing provider status. 

We encourage all ARAPA members to show their support for SB 112 by contacting their Representatives today and expressing their support for this important legislation. You can go to https://districtfinder.youraedi.com to search for your district and House Representative. 

A quick phone call or email asking them to support SB 112 goes a long way. Here are some talking points to help guide your phone call or email:

• Include your name, where you work and add a personal example of your experience as a PA in Arkansas or what this bill would mean for your profession if applicable
• For example: Do you treat Medicaid patients? Has your practice faced hurdles or have you had hiring difficulties due to billing challenges?
• As a PA (physician assistant) and a constituent, I am writing/calling today to urge you to support SB 112 which would allow PAs to be both rendering providers and billing providers for insurance billing and claims. 
• PAs are trusted healthcare professionals dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient‐centered, team‐based medical practice. 
• This bill will empower PAs to provide quality healthcare services and advance the PA profession by being recognized as healthcare providers.
• Be sure to thank them for their time and for them helping PAs provide the best care to their patients and to receive recognition for the care provided. 

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that PAs in Arkansas are recognized and valued as integral members of the healthcare team. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Sincerely,

Ada Sochanska, MPAS, PA-C 

ARAPA President

On behalf of ARAPA and the ARAPA Legislative Committee