[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1600 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 1600

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                     December 15, 2010.
Whereas more than 75,000 physician assistants in the United States provide high-
        quality, cost-effective medical care in virtually all health care 
        settings and in every medical and surgical specialty;
Whereas the physician assistant profession's patient-centered, team-based 
        approach reflects the changing realities of health care delivery and 
        fits well into the patient-centered medical home model of care, as well 
        as other integrated models of care management;
Whereas approximately 47 percent of physician assistants currently practice in 
        primary care and emergency medicine, regularly providing access to 
        needed medical care to underserved populations such as frontier 
        communities, rural towns, the urban poor, and at-risk groups (such as 
        the elderly);
Whereas physician assistants practice in teams with physicians and extend the 
        reach of medicine and the promise of improved health to the most remote 
        and in-need communities of our Nation;
Whereas nearly 300,000,000 patient visits were made to physician assistants in 
        2009;
Whereas physician assistants may provide medical care, have their own patient 
        panels, and are granted prescribing authority in all 50 States;
Whereas the physician assistant profession was created 40 years ago in response 
        to health care workforce shortages and is a key part of the solution to 
        today's health care workforce shortage;
Whereas the American Academy of Physician Assistants recognizes October 6-12, 
        2010 as National Physician Assistant Week; and
Whereas the physician assistant profession is positioned to be able to adapt and 
        respond to the evolving needs of the health care system by virtue of--

    (1) comprehensive educational programs that prepare physician 
assistants for a career in general medicine; and

    (2) a team-based approach to providing patient-centered medical care: 
Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports--
            (1) the critical role of the physician assistant profession for the 
        significant impact the profession has made and will continue to make in 
        health care; and
            (2) the goals and ideals of National Physician Assistant Week.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.