Advocacy

MAPA's Advocacy Committee working tirelessly to protect your ability to practice medicine.

As the only organization solely dedicated to representing Michigan PAs, MAPA is your strongest ally in ensuring that your voice is heard at every level of decision-making.

Our committee actively builds and nurtures relationships with key healthcare stakeholders, engages with legislators, state agencies, licensing bodies, and the Governor to influence critical issues affecting your profession. We’re committed to empowering Michigan PAs by safeguarding your practice rights and promoting the value you bring to healthcare in our state. 

Support Patient-Led Care

Chair Ron Stavale
Vice Chair Garrett Smigelski

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Yasmine Affes

Leena Alhawati

Tyler Amores

Alison Badger

Jon Borton

Nicole Rataj Casady

Michael Coraci

Samantha Danek

Ryan Desgrange

Brittney Douglas

Matt Edwards

Yolanda Freeman-Hildreth

Brian Gallagher

Antonio Giannelli

Thadd Gormas

Ken Gorney

Brian Guindon

Patrick Handlin

Courtney Hige

Anika Jenks

William Kammel

Kara Keyes

Dennis Marien

Mathew Miller

Marc Moote

Michelle Petropoulos

Jennifer Pletcher

Charles Regan

Hannah Richards

Sarah Luna Salman

Sarah Scantamburlo

Rachel Snabes

Susanna Storeng

Rebecca Cronin

Advocacy MAPA Minute Meet MAPA Membership Michigan PA Newsletter

Be Part of the 5% Leading Change – It’s Time to Act!
Be Part of the 5% Leading Change – It’s Time to Act!

Who are the PAs shaping Michigan’s future? You are! Last week, just 5% of Michigan’s PAs – about 465 of your colleagues – made a huge impact in Lansing by advocating for mental health care access. Continue Reading

Postedby Ron Stavale
Date posted10/4/2024


NEW Three-Year PA License Announced w MAPA Support
NEW Three-Year PA License Announced w MAPA Support

As of August 2024, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has announced significant updates affecting PAs in the state. The new changes extend the renewal terms for both PA license... Continue Reading

Postedby Jonathan Albers
Date posted09/10/2024


Myth Busting Common Misconceptions Regarding PAs
Myth Busting Common Misconceptions Regarding PAs

An anonymous survey of first year PA students was completed at a recent MAPA Professional Issues talk at Lawrence Technical University. Here are the questions, responses and comments. Continue Reading

Postedby Ron Stavale
Date posted09/4/2024


Detroit Mercy PA Program Commitment to Diversity
Detroit Mercy PA Program Commitment to Diversity

The Detroit Mercy PA program is dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. This commitment aligns with our mission to ensure no student is denied access to education based on gender, race, religion, national origin, or economic status. Continue Reading

Postedby Yolonda F Freeman-Hildreth
Date posted09/4/2024


What a Blast (off) in Houston!
What a Blast (off) in Houston!

t has been about five years since I last attended a full AAPA Conference, and AAPA 2024 in Houston did not disappoint. There were a few challenges, such as the tornado that displaced one million Houstonians the day before the conference began, leading to some lodging issues for a few attendees, myse Continue Reading

Postedby Susanna Marie Storeng
Date posted09/4/2024


PA Student’s First MAPA Advocacy Experience
PA Student’s First MAPA Advocacy Experience

Attending the Michigan Academy of Physician Associates (MAPA) summit in Lansing was a profoundly impactful experience, both professionally and personally. As a Physician Assistant student with a background in psychology and a deep-seated passion for mental health, the opportunity to advocate for the Continue Reading

Postedby Sara Luna Salman
Date posted09/4/2024


Michigan PAs Attend the AAPA House of Delegates
Michigan PAs Attend the AAPA House of Delegates

Our Michigan Academy of Physician Associates (MAPA) delegates had a productive visit to the 2024 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) House of Delegates (HOD) meeting, which took place in Houston, Texas, during the annual AAPA Conference. Continue Reading

Postedby Julia Marie Burkhardt
Date posted09/4/2024


MAPA's Patient-Led Care Agenda
MAPA's Patient-Led Care Agenda

The good news is that Michigan patients love their PA! 92% in fact think Michigan PA practice laws should be updated. Now, here is a little history lesson from my 41 years of experience as a Michigan PA. Continue Reading

Date posted04/30/2024


Michigan Patients Love Their PA!
Michigan Patients Love Their PA!

A new Harris Poll commissioned by AAPA finds that Michigan patients wait on average 3.4 weeks for a needed medical appointment and nearly 1 in 3 (31%) give the current healthcare system a failing grade, which is higher than the national average of 26%. Continue Reading

Date posted04/3/2024


MAPA Healthcare Professionals Argue Serious Need
MAPA Healthcare Professionals Argue Serious Need

Healthcare professionals from around the state are arguing there is serious need to improve healthcare by updating a law they consider outdated. Continue Reading

Date posted04/3/2024


Nurse Practitioners Urge Independent Practice Authority
Nurse Practitioners Urge Independent Practice Authority

The Senate Health Policy Committee received testimony on Wednesday, March 21st for Senate Bill 279 to allow for NPs to practice independently. Continue Reading

Date posted04/3/2024


MAPA’s Matrix Compares PA/MD/NP Education & Training
MAPA’s Matrix Compares PA/MD/NP Education & Training

The provider education and training matrix was updated in March 2024 to better reflect the continuing education (CE) for Nurse Practitioners. Continue Reading

Date posted04/3/2024