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At the birth of their profession, PAs were called upon to provide coverage through a physician shortage. Their talent, quality of care, and diverse experience are used in similar efforts today, though they've made incredible progress in their 50 years of practicing medicine.
As their scope of practice continues to grow, the future is bright for PAs — but the history of this highly skilled group of providers got them where they are now. Learn where the profession began and where it might go next in this visual timeline.
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In response to a growing physician shortage, Eugene A. Stead Jr., M.D., establishes the first class of PAs at Duke University. Source
The first class of PAs graduates from Stead Jr.’s Duke University program. Source
The American Association of Physician Assistants is founded in North Carolina. It is later named the American Academy of PAs (AAPA). Source
The PA profession gains official recognition by the American Medical Association (AMA). Source
PAs are granted prescriptive authority in 10 states. Source
On the 20th anniversary of the graduation of Duke University’s first class of PAs, the first annual PA Day is held on October 6. Source
The Balanced Budget Act establishes PAs as covered providers in all settings at a uniform rate of payment. Source
All the national PA organizations (AAPA, APAP, ARC-PA, and NCCPA) get together for the first time. Source
PA scope of practice expands to allow prescriptive authority in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam. Source
Twenty PAs from the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) are sent to West Africa to help those affected by the Ebola outbreak. Source
Stead Jr.’s original two-year Duke University program began 50 years ago. Source
Today, there are more than 115,500 certified PAs practicing in the U.S., providing care that is regarded equally to physician care. As their scope of practice grows, the future is bright for PAs: Currently, PAs are authorized to prescribe medications in schedules II through V in 44 states and D.C., their cosignature requirements are determined at the practice level in 30 states, they’re allowed adaptable supervision requirements in 29 states, and their scope of practice is determined on-site in 37 states. Source
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