As the Interim Program Director of the Shenandoah University Physician Assistant (PA) Program, I strongly support the petition to remove the requirement that a patient care team physician review the clinical course and treatment plan when a patient presents for the same acute complaint twice in a single episode of care.

This regulation imposes an unnecessary administrative burden without clear benefits to patient safety or clinical outcomes. PAs are highly trained, licensed medical professionals who practice within a defined scope of practice and in collaboration with physicians. They are fully capable of evaluating and managing patients who return with the same acute complaint, using their medical expertise to adjust treatment plans as needed. Mandating a physician review in these cases undermines the trust in PA clinical decision-making and contributes to inefficiencies in patient care.

Removing this requirement would improve workflow, reduce unnecessary delays, and allow PAs to practice more effectively within their scope while maintaining high standards of patient care. I urge the Virginia Board of Medicine to approve this petition and modernize regulations to reflect the essential role of PAs in Virginia’s healthcare system.

Sincerely,

Erika Francis, DMS, PA-C

Interim Program Director

Shenandoah University PA Program