Recognizing and Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Rhode Island Academy of Physician Assistants and Commending Its Leadership and Contributions to Health Care in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Academy of Physician Assistants (RIAPA) was founded in 1976 as a chartered constituent organization of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, thereby establishing organized professional representation for Physician Assistants in the State of Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, The year 1976 also marked the enactment by the Rhode Island General Assembly of Chapter 5-54 of the Rhode Island General Laws, authorizing the practice of Physician Assistants and providing the statutory foundation for the growth and advancement of the profession within the state; and

WHEREAS, For fifty years, the Rhode Island Academy of Physician Assistants has advanced the Physician Assistant profession through advocacy, education, and public service, consistently working to strengthen the quality, accessibility, and continuity of health care across Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, Physician Assistants practicing in Rhode Island have played a vital role in expanding access to high quality, patient centered health care in communities throughout the state and have supported the ongoing modernization of practice laws, thereby strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system and improving outcomes for Rhode Islanders; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Academy of Physician Assistants has been recognized as a national leader in legislative and regulatory advocacy, working diligently to remove unnecessary barriers to practice, promote team-based care, and establish one of the strongest and most supportive practice environments for Physician Assistants in the United States; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes and celebrates the th Anniversary of the Rhode Island Academy of Physician Assistants and commends its members for their unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of the people of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby expresses its deep appreciation for RIAPA’s leadership, advocacy, and enduring contributions to health care in this state, and acknowledges its essential role in shaping a modern, forward looking practice environment that supports Physician Assistants and enhances access to care for all Rhode Islanders; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Academy of Physician Assistants.