Alexandria, VA – A newly released national survey underscores strong physician support for Physician Associates (PAs) as a vital solution to improving healthcare access and alleviating provider shortages. The survey, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), reveals that 86% of physicians acknowledge the critical role PAs play in expanding patient access to medical care. Additionally, 90% of physicians believe PAs significantly contribute to the efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery.
Despite overwhelming support from physicians, restrictive and outdated state laws continue to impose unnecessary administrative barriers that hinder PAs from maximizing their role in patient care. More than half of surveyed physicians (55%) assert that eliminating these restrictions would lead to shorter patient wait times, while 68% of those in favor of modernizing PA practice laws believe doing so would directly address provider shortages.
Physician Leaders Call for Modernized PA Practice Laws
“These findings reinforce what healthcare professionals have long experienced firsthand: outdated policies are limiting patient access to timely and effective care,” said Jason Prevelige, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, DFAAPA, President and Chair of the AAPA Board of Directors. “Physicians recognize the urgent need for reform. Updating these laws will empower healthcare teams to prioritize what truly matters—delivering high-quality patient care.”
Physicians Confident in PAs’ Ability to Provide Safe, High-Quality Care
The survey also highlights strong physician confidence in PAs’ training, expertise, and ability to deliver safe and cost-effective care:
- 82% of physicians who collaborate with PAs confirm that PAs provide safe and effective healthcare services.
- 77% agree that PAs are well-trained and qualified to oversee patient care within their designated scope of practice.
- 77% acknowledge that PAs offer cost-effective care, while 78% affirm that PAs demonstrate sound judgment in consulting physicians or other providers when necessary.
At the same time, the survey reflects growing strain on the healthcare system. Nearly half (47%) of physicians report insufficient time to dedicate to their patients. Additionally, one in three (33%) describe their patient workload as unmanageable, and one in seven (14%) say they are unable to accept new patients.
Current PA Supervision Requirements Do Not Reflect Real-World Practice
Despite mounting pressures on the healthcare system, most states continue to mandate that PAs maintain a formal supervisory agreement with a physician, even when such oversight is minimal. The survey sheds light on how these outdated regulations do not align with actual healthcare team dynamics:
- 83% of physicians spend less than a quarter of their time overseeing PAs they work with.
- 63% report that they are rarely or never present during PA-patient interactions.
“There is a clear disconnect between the traditional definition of ‘supervision’ and how PAs actually practice,” said AAPA CEO Lisa M. Gables. “Many people assume ‘supervision’ implies constant oversight, but in reality, it looks very different. It’s time for the law to reflect how modern healthcare teams function, removing unnecessary barriers that do not improve patient outcomes.”
Survey Methodology
Morning Consult conducted this survey online on behalf of AAPA, polling a national sample of 999 attending physicians with MD, DO, or PhD credentials. The study was conducted between January 2 and January 15, 2025, with a margin of error of ±3%. Margins of error are higher for specific subgroups within the sample.
About the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
AAPA is the leading national organization representing physician associates/physician assistants (PAs), licensed medical professionals who practice in all specialties and settings. Known for their rigorous training and patient-centered approach, PAs are committed to expanding healthcare access and advancing medical excellence through collaborative care.
