Legislation Signed by Delaware Governor Meyer Will Optimize PA Workforce, Expand Patient Access to Care

Legislation Signed by Delaware Governor Meyer Will Optimize PA Workforce, Expand Patient Access to Care

Alexandria, VA (May 12, 2026) - The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) applauds Governor Matt Meyer for signing HB 325 into law and establishing an optimal practice environment for the state's growing physician assistant/associate (PA) workforce.

According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, all three of Delaware's counties are designated as health professional shortage areas. Once enacted, this law will ensure Delaware PAs work to top of their experience, education, and training. Allowing PAs with more than 6,000 practice to no longer require an on-paper agreement with a physician will ensure experienced PAs are unencumbered and more readily available to serve in rural and other underserved areas.

This update to the PA Practice Act would move Delaware into alignment with AAPA's criteria for an optimal PA practice environment. By removing outdated barriers to PA practice, Delaware is taking an important step to strengthen its healthcare workforce. This state-led effort, driven by Delaware's own healthcare needs, also aligns with broader federal priorities.

Notably, the Rural Health Transformation Program recognizes states that have created strong healthcare workforce policies, including awarding points to states that meet AAPA's criteria for an optimal PA practice environment. Delaware's action reflects the same shared goal of ensuring PAs can practice to the top of their education, training, and experience.

"AAPA commends Governor Meyer and the Delaware legislature for taking action to ensure the PA workforce is fully mobilized and central to the state's plans to expand and improve healthcare access in rural areas and across the state," said AAPA President and Chair of the Board Todd Pickard, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, FASCO.

"Modernizing PA practice laws and removing barriers to practice allow healthcare teams to focus on what matters most - caring for patients."

In addition to removing a major barrier to PA practice, the bill updates the PA title to "physician associate" to better reflect the role of PAs in team-based medical care. Delaware is the fifth state to make this change in the profession-wide effort to better communicate the role of PAs to patients.

"Today marks a great day for patients and physician associates in Delaware with the passage of House Bill 325," Delaware Academy of Physician Assistants (DAPA) President Patrick Duffy, DMSc, PA-C, said. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring patient safety, quality care, and expanding access across the state."

Educated at the master's degree level, PAs are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Nationwide, PAs have more than 590 million patient interactions each year. Among their key duties, PA diagnose and treat illness, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medicine with the direct oversight of a physician.

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Media Contact: Jenni Roberson, 703.380.2764 

About the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
AAPA is the national membership organization for all physician associates/assistants (PAs). PAs are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. Learn more about the profession at aapa.org and engage through Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.