A key element in becoming an effective advocate for the PA profession and for patients is building relationships with lawmakers and their staff. Being a trusted source of information, advice, and opinion is very important, and legislators and their staff are always looking to members of the community for cues on decision-making.
AAPA offers a number of tools for PAs, PA education programs, chapters, and constituent groups to help PAs become more effective advocates, and to assist in building relationships with key lawmakers in your community:
Make advocacy training a component of any legislative summit, CME meeting, or student elective. AAPA offers a fun, interactive workshop that provides insights about congressional decision making and the importance of grassroots involvement.
Invite lawmakers or their staff to visit your practice or tour your facility - show them physician-PA teams at work meeting the health needs of your community.
Attend or host a town hall meeting in your community to talk about PAs and the profession’s role in health care reform efforts.
Meet with your legislators at their local and Washington offices. Click here to learn how to do it.
