STRENGTHENING the role of pas in louisiana
LAPA Advocacy Resources
PA Advisory Committee
The Louisiana PA Advisory Committee is a statutory advisory body that assists the LSBME on matters related to PA practice in the state including licensure, regulation, and disciplinary matters/violations. Members consist of 3 PAs and 2 physicians and serve 6-year terms, appointed by the Governor.
Physician Assistants Advisory Committee
Questions Related to Your Practice in Louisiana?
LAPA serves as and educational and advocacy resource for Louisiana PAs. While official interpretations of Louisiana laws and rules rest with the LSBME, the LAPA legislative committee can often help members understand existing requirements and identify the most appropriate avenue for resolving practice-related questions. Send us an email: info@ourlapa.org
Louisiana Legislative Process
Every law affecting PA practice in Louisiana begins as a bill filed by a member of either the Louisiana House of Representatives or the Louisiana Senate. After introduction, the bill is assigned to a committee for review. Because most PA legislation involves healthcare, our bills are typically heard by the House or Senate Committees on Health and Welfare.
Understanding the legislative process helps PAs and students understand how advocacy shapes the future of our profession. Click here for a graphic summary of the process:
LAPA is actively involved throughout the legislative process. We work with a professional government relations (lobbying) team and legal counsel to develop legislation, monitor bills, and advocate for the profession. Our Legislative Chair and committee members regularly meet with lawmakers, build coalitions with healthcare stakeholders, and provide in-person testimony at committee hearings during legislative session at the state Capitol.
Louisiana Rulemaking Process
While the Louisiana Legislature creates laws, the LSBME develops the administrative rules based on its interpretation of those laws. Rules provide the detailed requirements governing PA licensure, practice, and violations.
The rulemaking process typically begins when the LSBME, LAPA, or other stakeholder identifies the need for a new rule or revision to an existing rule. Proposed changes are reviewed by the PA Advisory Committee, which provides recommendations to the medical board based on their perspectives and expertise. The LSBME then considers the proposal and, if approved, publishes it to the Louisiana Register for public notice and comment. During this time, a public hearing may be requested.
LAPA plays an active role throughout the regulatory process by working with the PA Advisory Committee, LSBME leadership, legal counsel and AAPA to ensure Louisiana's rules support safe, effective and modern PA practice. By participating in rulemaking, LAPA helps shape the regulations that affect the day-to-day practice of every PA in Louisiana.
YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS YOUR VOICE!
By maintaining your LAPA membership, you help ensure that Louisiana PAs have a respected, unified voice in the legislative and regulatory process. Every member makes our advocacy stronger. Membership is more than a benefit - it is an essential investment in the future of our profession.
Effective advocacy doesn't start at the Capitol... it begins at the ballot box. LAPA encourages every PA and PA student to be an informed voter, participate in state and local elections, and build relationships with the legislators who represent your community. This helps ensure lawmakers understand the essential roles PAs play in improving access to high-quality healthcare in Louisiana!
Know a state legislator? Let LAPA know: info@ourlapa.org
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