Important News for NM PAs

Dear NMAPA,

I would like to take a moment to provide a brief update on the NMAPA Board of Directors as well as current legislative efforts on behalf of all PAs in New Mexico.

 

Legislative Affairs

First we would like to recognize the great work that has been lead primarily by PA Pooneh Newton of Albuquerque. SB-106 will include PAs in the legislation that protects other providers from non-compete clauses. Through a tremendous amount of hard work and perseverance PA Newton was successful in recruiting Senator Liz Stephanics and Representative Liz Thompson to co-sponsor this important legislation.  PA Lisa Long attended the hearing and served as expert witness on behalf of NMAPA. Her testimony of the impact that a non-compete clause has had on her ability to provide healthcare to New Mexicans was very persuasive. The bill passed the Senate and is now working its way through various committees for review. We hope it will receive a final vote and approval soon.

Please reach out to your State Senator and State Representative to encourage them to support passage of SB-106 to add Physician Assistant to the list of Healthcare Providers exempted from non-compete clauses in New Mexico.

 

Departure of PA Kaeli Vanderslusis – AAPA House of Delegates

Next, we are sad to announce that PA Kaeli Vandersluis has submitted a letter of resignation and will be leaving her position as New Mexico Delegate to the AAPA. Kaeli was a fantastic representative of New Mexico PAs and an active member of the NMAPA Board of Directors. We hope you will join us in thanking Kaeli for her service to the PAs of New Mexico and wish her great luck and success as she and her husband relocate to California.

 

Kaeli’s departure leaves a vacancy in NMAPA’s representation to the AAPA House of Delegates. The Board of Directors is seeking volunteers and nominations to fill this position. Please submit your statement of interest and a brief CV/Resume to nmphysicianassistant@gmail.com for consideration. The Board hopes to vote to appoint a replacement at the next board meeting on 3/14.

 

Appointment of PA Samantha Baca to NMAPA President Elect.

During the February meeting the Board unanimously approved the appointment of PA Samantha Baca to the position of President Elect of NMAPA.  Samantha has been active in NMAPA and served on the NAMPA board in various positions over the years. She is well positioned to assume leadership of NMAPA in July along with the newly elected board members from the June 2023 election.  Please join us in congratulating Samantha in her new position.

Samantha’s appointment to President Elect results in a vacancy in the Region 5 Delegate at Large position representing the Albuquerque metro area. If you are interested in serving to on the NMAPA Board to help advance and improve PA practice and expand and improve access to healthcare for New Mexicans, please submit your statement of interest and a brief CV/Resume to nmphysicianassistant@gmail.com for consideration. The Board hopes to vote to appoint a replacement at the next board meeting on 3/14.

 

 

Annual Primary Care CME Conference

The CME committee has been hard at work planning this year’s conference on September 14-16, 2023. The event will once again be held at Marriott Uptown in Albuquerque. Please start planning now to attend the conference and annual membership meeting.

 

Vacancies on the Board of Directors:

Region 5 Delegate at Large (Albuquerque area)

AAPA House of Delegates

 

Please submit your statement of interest and a brief CV/Resume to nmphysicianassistant@gmail.com for consideration. The Board hopes to vote to appoint a replacement at the next board meeting on 3/14.

 

 

On behalf of the NMAPA Board, thank you for providing first class healthcare to our fellow New Mexicans.

 

Tom Guest, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry

President