Latest news with #AAPA


Fibre2Fashion
5 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
SPACE Act aims to reform CBP funding at US Ports, AAPA welcomes bill
US representatives Laurel Lee (R-FL) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) have reintroduced the CBP Securing Ports and America's Commerce and Economy (SPACE) Act that seeks to curb Customs and Border Protection (CBP) overreach at US ports and establish a fair, transparent, and sustainable funding mechanism through existing user fees. The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has welcomed the move. The SPACE Act, first introduced in November 2023, also aims to improve accountability by enhancing transparency in CBP charges to local port partners. It has garnered bipartisan support, with original cosponsors including Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Julia Brownley (D-CA), and Troy Carter (D-LA). It is also backed by 27 organisations across the trade, logistics, and agriculture sectors. AAPA has welcomed the reintroduction of the bipartisan CBP SPACE Act by US lawmakers to address CBP overreach at ports and establish sustainable funding through existing user fees. Supported by 27 organisations, the act aims to boost transparency and accountability. Port leaders nationwide praised the move, citing strengthened CBP partnerships and improved port operations. 'CBP officers' work is crucial to the safety, health, and vitality of America's ports and we sincerely thank them,' Cary Davis, president and chief executive officer (CEO) at AAPA, said in a press release . 'However, the costs of government inspection operations are historically and constitutionally, a Federal government responsibility. Moreover, port commerce generates hundreds of millions of dollars in public tax revenue—taxpayers benefit when those funds are reinvested in the activities that generate future revenues in a virtuous cycle.' Port leaders nationwide echoed their support. Richard J Hendrick, CEO of the Port of Albany, emphasised the importance of efficient inter-agency collaboration, while Julianna Marler of the Port of Vancouver US noted the act would strengthen ports' roles as economic engines. Leaders from Port Everglades, Port Tampa Bay, Massport, and SeaPort Manatee also expressed gratitude for the legislation's focus on proper federal funding and reinforced partnerships with CBP. The AAPA viewed the SPACE Act as a decisive step towards reinforcing the security, efficiency, and financial clarity of US ports while aligning federal responsibilities with national economic goals, the release added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)


Medscape
27-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Pushing for PA Modernization
The US — as well as the world at large — is facing a growing healthcare provider shortage. Recent projections, in fact, suggest that the US will be short by more than 3 million healthcare workers by next year, which will have significant impact on the country's ability to provide timely and effective patient care. To help fill this gap, many states are pursuing new legislation to modernize physician associate (PA) practice, allowing PAs to work at the top of their knowledge, experience, and skillset. Medscape continually surveys physicians and other medical professionals about key practice challenges and current issues, creating high-impact analyses. For example, the Physician Assistant Burnout & Depression report found that A lack of control and autonomy contribute to burnout for 1 in 6 PAs. There is often a divide in burnout recognition and management by administrators. Fewer government regulations would help 12% of practicing PAs, and greater respect from admin, colleagues, and staff would help 38% with their burnout. 'Across the country, we are seeing a growing number of legislators express a stronger understanding of the critical role that PAs play in today's healthcare system,' said Chantell Taylor, chief of public affairs and advocacy at the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA). 'Today, an estimated 79 million Americans lack adequate access to primary care services. Even worse, 123 million Americans lack adequate access to mental health services…Modernizing PA practice laws aims to address the problem of too few healthcare providers and mounting patient care needs.' Over the past few years, PA organizations in various states have pushed for policy changes to make it easier for patients to access the care they need, including support for the PA Licensure Compact, PA title change, and the removal of unnecessary supervisory requirements. Going Where Providers are Needed Most Several states face greater provider shortages than others. Tennessee, New York, and Oregon, for example, are all expected to see future shortages. PAs could help — yet, moving between states, historically, has required these essential healthcare providers to apply to the state's licensing board, potentially take a required exam, and pay fees. This often makes it harder for PAs to relocate where they are most needed. Over the past two and a half years, however, 17 states have joined the PA Licensure Compact, which facilitates multi-state practice for PAs. Several other states, including North Carolina and Oregon, have filed legislation to join the compact. 'PAs with unencumbered licenses in one compact state will be able to provide care to patients in other compact states,' said Taylor. 'This can be especially beneficial for rural communities and/or areas where healthcare providers are few and far between.' A PA by Any Other Name In 2024, Oregon became the first state to legally change the title of 'physician assistant' to PA. In summer 2025, both Maine and New Hampshire also enacted new laws to promote a title change. Kathleen Moneghan, a PA from Maine, said this legislation was important to challenge ongoing misconceptions about what PAs do — and help facilitate future practice modernization efforts. 'I remember when I first graduated as a PA and I was seeing patients, they'd say, 'Oh, when am I going to see the doctor?'' she explained. 'They thought what we do is assist the doctor, when, in reality, we see patients on our own. We have our own patient panels, we treat, we diagnose, we prescribe. Having the right title creates a better understanding for patients about what we do — and also helps ensure they trust the care we give to them.' Removing Physician Supervision Taylor said that there is growing support across multiple states for new laws to remove supervision requirements for experienced PAs. Historically, PAs needed to sign a contract with a physician to 'supervise' their work or participate in a collaboration agreement. But Sarah Leslie, a PA in New Hampshire, said that such requirements are costly and onerous. Worse, they often led to PAs losing their jobs when doctors refused to do the paperwork because of liability concerns. 'Most of these doctors weren't even in the office with us, despite the fact they were tied to our license. They weren't even supervising,' she explained. 'And there are so many stories about PAs being let go. I know of literally an entire family practice office that got rid of all of their PAs because the doctor didn't want to sign the forms.' The need for a supervising physician could also be quite expensive for PAs who needed a supervising physician to keep their practice doors open. 'I was paying $1000 a month to a doctor who wasn't even in the practice to just sign a piece of paper,' Leslie said. 'Doctors and medical societies often say things like, 'Without supervision, PAs are going to start doing open heart surgery in the cafeteria,' but when we talked to legislators about what we really do and how we can improve access, they saw the value in us being able to practice without this kind of paperwork.' Now, the state of New Hampshire has enacted new legislation to remove those supervisory requirements. When a PA has reached 8000 postgraduate clinical hours, PAs can own and run their own practice. Other states, including Iowa, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, have done the same — and many have already seen tangible benefits from removing or relaxing supervisory requirements, said Taylor. 'Following supervision removal in Iowa, a PA operating a mental health clinic was able to drastically improve access to care for patients. She redirected funding that had been used on supervision to hire more providers,' Taylor said. 'In 2024 alone, her clinic saw more than 800 new patients, the vast majority of whom were able to get a mental health appointment within 2 weeks.' Pushing for Quality and Safety Both Moneghan and Leslie are continuing to push for PA practice modernization in their states. They see it as essential to helping provide the vital healthcare Americans will need in the years to come. And, as research thus far shows, these changes are enhancing care, not negatively affecting patient safety as some physician organizations have argued. Taylor hopes that more states will see the value in enacting laws that allow PAs to do their jobs. 'To date, there has been no research or evidence provided that shows that quality or safety of care declines, or malpractice rates increase, when PA supervision is removed,' Taylor said. 'What has been proven is that providers can practice in a manner consistent with their experience, training, and education, and patients can better access the high-quality healthcare they deserve.'
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dirtier ports will hurt jobs, US maritime revival: AAPA
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is urging the Senate to preserve funding for anti-pollution programs it says bolster U.S. manufacturing and maritime strength. In a letter Tuesday to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Committee on Environment and Public Works Chair Shelley Moore Capito, the trade group emphasized the importance of preserving vital Environmental Protection Agency grant programs that it said support American ports and manufacturing. Currently, two critical EPA initiatives — the Clean Ports Program and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant programs — face elimination under the House of Representatives' version of President Donald Trump's budget legislation. The AAPA said that if these cuts proceed without Senate intervention, they would undermine Trump's strategy to counter Chinese dominance in the maritime sector. The programs are designed to strengthen America's competitive position by supporting ports in acquiring next-generation equipment while boosting American manufacturers at a critical juncture in the global maritime EPA has awarded 54 grants totaling $3 billion to fund zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure as well as climate and air quality planning at U.S. ports. DERA grants totaled $147 million in 2024. In the letter to Senate leadership, AAPA President and Chief Executive Cary Davis highlighted the significant manufacturing benefits of the Clean Ports Program. Davis stressed that the program 'is creating jobs in America and giving American manufacturers new life in a sector long dominated by China: port cargo-handling equipment.' This initiative serves as a dual-purpose tool, simultaneously modernizing American port infrastructure while revitalizing domestic manufacturing capabilities in an industry where China has maintained a strong foothold. The DERA grant program represents another critical resource for the maritime industry, providing essential funding for ports to upgrade to more fuel-efficient diesel engines. Like the Clean Ports Program, DERA adheres to strict Build America, Buy America standards, ensuring that federal funds support domestic manufacturing. The potential elimination of DERA's $60 million funding would have far-reaching consequences — not only limiting ports' ability to reduce fuel costs and mitigate local emissions but also reducing orders for American truck and cargo-handling equipment manufacturers. The AAPA's advocacy underscores the strategic importance of these seemingly modest programs in a larger economic and national security budget legislation has run into opposition from Republican members of Congress who say it doesn't do enough to cut federal spending. Find more articles by Stuart Chirls port completes $625M ship channel deepening project 'Fear and uncertainty' driving up China-US container rates CMA CGM developing $600M Vietnam container terminals Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd partner on new Asia-Long Beach serviceThe post Dirtier ports will hurt jobs, US maritime revival: AAPA appeared first on FreightWaves.


Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Indian aviation market outlook bullish; in talks with IndiGo for possible membership: AAPA
The outlook for the Indian aviation market is very bullish but there are supply chain issues being faced by airlines globally, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines ( AAPA ) said on Friday. At a briefing in the national capital, AAPA Director General Subhas Menon said it is in talks with IndiGo to look at the airline becoming a member of the association. Currently, the grouping has 18 airlines as members, including Air India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Urging regulators across the Asia Pacific region to ensure harmonisation of rules to ensure predictability for airlines, Menon also said regulations should be put in place after discussions with airlines. The costs for airlines should not increase with regulations, he added. The Indian aviation market outlook is very bullish and the country's potential is amazing and air traffic rebounded after the coronavirus pandemic, he said. Live Events According to him, there is a supply chain crisis and no demand crisis while India is also doing well on airport expansion. India is one of the world's fastest-growing civil aviation markets. AAPA, a not-for-profit association, has a permanent secretariat based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. PTI


Medscape
29-05-2025
- Business
- Medscape
Physician Associates Continue to Embrace Telehealth
The use of telehealth continues to grow across the healthcare industry, including among physician associates (PAs). As noted in the American Academy of Physician Associates' (AAPA's) 2025 Salary Report, an annual survey that explores PA pay and practice insights, a remarkable 49% of PAs reported using telemedicine applications as part of their clinical work in the past year. Sean Kolhoff, senior research analyst with AAPA, said these results were not surprising, per se, but do show that there is now a growing acceptance of the efficacy of telehealth in PA practice. 'Compared to pre-COVID estimates of telehealth use among PAs — 9.6% in 2019 — it appears that PAs have been able to adapt the technology to best meet their specific practice needs,' he explained. 'This is emphasized by the specialties that have generally continued to use telehealth post-pandemic: 76.2% in primary care and 56.6% in internal medicine. These specialties perform many tasks, like initial diagnoses and patient follow-ups, that can effectively utilize telehealth.' About Medscape Data Medscape continually surveys physicians and other medical professionals about key practice challenges and current issues, creating high-impact analyses. For example, Medscape's Top 10 Telemedicine-Friendly States 2025 found that States have continued to update telehealth policies since the pandemic. A state's telehealth success also includes available connectivity for patients. States continue to invest in digital infrastructure to enhance connectivity. Tele-social work, tele-rehabilitation, and tele-occupational health are also on the rise. Dane Thomas, PA-C, MMS, a PA who specializes in hematology and oncology, said telemedicine use skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic — and showed its value to healthcare providers and patients alike. 'The rapid adoption of these tools, which were accelerated just out of necessity, helped us see the benefits,' he explained. 'You see that a lot of patients like the flexibility and convenience of telehealth. And, as a provider, it's nice to be easily connected with patients through telehealth. It really gives us more flexibility. When we can see patients from home or from the office a couple days of the week, it lends itself to a better work-life balance.' Critics of telehealth sometimes say that nothing can beat the quality of an in-person appointment. Yet, research studies, particularly in primary care, suggest its use does not negatively affect patient outcomes. And with continuing workforce shortages, as well as concerns about patient access to care, telehealth applications provide a way for PAs, as well as physicians and nurse practitioners, to reach more people. 'I'd love to see it expand more in rural medicine,' said Thomas. 'I think we can give better access to care to patients who live in rural areas with telemedicine. Not just with primary care but also with specialty medicine. As it is, it's just really hard to get doctors in those areas.' Yet, as healthcare organizations consider the best ways to implement telemedicine, Tiffany Ryder, PA-C, said, 'The devil is in the details.' Ryder, who does not use telemedicine in her current role but did conduct appointments online regularly during the pandemic, said many health plans and hospitals are looking at how to best increase access to medical care without sacrificing quality. So, in her nonclinical role, advising those organizations about how to strike such a balance, telehealth, she said, comes up again and again. 'When telehealth should be used really comes down to the details and nuance of the situation you are trying to address,' she said. 'It's definitely not a one-size-all tool that can replace in-person visits.' For example, she said telemedicine works best when there is continuity of care. For patients who have a chronic medical condition and see the same primary care provider regularly, telehealth applications can be of great benefit. 'When you know your provider and they know you, you don't always need to come into the office to have a question answered or a prescription filled,' Ryder explained. 'That not only is more convenient for the patient but it also increases a PA's availability to see other patients who may be coming to urgent care or the emergency room [ER] for a more acute issue.' Furthermore, she said, telemedicine can also act as a 'super-educated triage nurse' to help determine where to best allocate provider resources in emergency and urgent care settings. 'If you are a parent, and your child falls off a bunk bed and hits their head, you don't have the knowledge or skills to make a decision about whether your kid needs to go to the ER,' she said. 'But if you can connect via telehealth with a PA on your way to the ER, tell that person what happened and let them ask those important red flag questions; they can then tell you whether you need to come in or whether you can go home and monitor the situation. You can better manage your provider resources, and I think that's a really great place where telemedicine can shine.' Thomas, for his part, hopes that more organizations will work to identify both the positives and negatives of telehealth use to make sure it is deployed in the right scenarios to enhance patient care. And, as Ryder said, the devil may be in the details of its continued use; both she and Thomas agreed that telehealth adoption will continue to grow in the future. Kolhoff added the AAPA's finding that telehealth use continues to increase speaks to the fact that 'PAs are adaptable to new and emerging technology that can improve the patient's experience and ability to access high-quality healthcare in a timely manner.' 'What the future may look like, no one knows,' he said. 'What we do know is that PAs will continue to adapt to new technologies as needed to ensure that patient needs are being met.'