All PAs, especially those in rural communities, are encouraged to ask their legislators to support the Modernizing Rural Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Utilization Act, H.R. 5199.  This bipartisan legislation removes outdated federal regulations that restrict PA and NP practice and access to care for patients at Rural Health Centers (RHCs), even when state law is more flexible. Currently, even when states have modernized their PA practice laws to maximize the full potential of the profession to ensure patients in all communities have access to timely, affordable, and high-quality care, federal law prevents PAs and NPs who work at RHCs from practicing without a formal relationship with a physician.  

Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) play a crucial role in delivering primary care and other outpatient health services to over 39 million Americans, particularly those who might otherwise have very limited healthcare availability. These clinics often serve as a lifeline for residents in rural and remote areas, addressing a broad range of medical needs from chronic disease management to preventive care. 

Currently, under federal law, RHCs are subject to more restrictive rules than most state laws regarding PA and NP scope of practice. As a result, even in states that allow optimal team practice, PAs and NPs working in RHCs are subject to separate and unnecessary federal regulations regarding supervision, simply because they work in an RHC.   

H.R. 5199 would improve access to care for Americans in rural areas by removing burdensome federal barriers and aligning federal regulations with PA & NP state scope of practice laws, enabling them to fully apply their advanced clinical skills to improve patient care.

Please urge your legislators in the House to support HR 5199. Thank you for your advocacy!   

**Please be sure to edit and personalize your message to legislators – include your facility name and city and add a personal example if applicable.**