New Bill Would Extend EHR Incentive Payments to Physician Assistants

This week, Reps. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and Lee Terry (R-Neb.) introduced legislation (HR 2729) — called the Health IT Modernization for Underserved Communities Act — that would allow physician assistants who meet certain requirements to qualify for incentive payments under the meaningful use program, Modern Healthcare reports.

Under the 2009 federal economic stimulus package, health care providers who demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health records can qualify for Medicaid and Medicare incentive payments.

According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, physicians and nurse practitioners can receive incentive payments if Medicaid beneficiaries account for at least 30% of their patient volume (Zigmond, Modern Healthcare, 8/4).

HR 2729 would expand those eligibility requirements so physician assistants could receive the incentive payments if Medicaid beneficiaries account for at least 30% of their patient load (Rodak, Becker’s Hospital Review, 8/4).

In a statement, AAPA President Robert Wooten praised the legislation, saying “this bill extends the promise of improved medical care to the Medicaid patients served by a physician assistant.”

The bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee (Modern Healthcare, 8/4).

Source: www.ihealthbeat.org