This week’s edition of The Empty Office Podcast features two physician assistants who are working with Senator Tobin on legislation to allow PAs to provide medical care to the fullest extent of their licensure in Alaska. The goal behind Senate Bill 89 is to increase the capacity of Alaska’s medical care system and reduce unnecessarily strict regulations on physician assistants.

Today’s guests are Meghan Hall and Jenny Fayette. Meghan Hall is the past President of the Alaska Academy of PAs, and Jenny Fayette is a Member at Large of the Alaska Academy of PAs.

“Alaska has a demonstrated need for increasing accessible medical care, reducing high medical costs, and decreasing barriers to experienced medical practitioners across Alaska. The majority of the physician assistants in Alaska practice in rural areas. Increasing the medical care available locally in rural Alaska produces better outcomes and less expensive care. This also allows patients to stay in their home communities, thereby reducing strain on hub communities.” - Senator Löki Gale Tobin

The physician assistant profession was established in the 1960s to expand health care options. The first PA class graduated from the Duke University PA program on October 6, 1967.

The opening music for this episode is the M*A*S*H theme song, and the closing music is the M*A*S*H Theme performed by Piano Kingdom.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lgtobin.substack.com