Illinois Rural Health Association Backs Legislation to Modernize PA Practice and Expand Access to Care in Rural Communities
[Chicago, IL – 10/03/2025] – The Illinois Academy of PAs (IAPA) announced today that the Illinois Rural Health Association (IRHA) has formally endorsed legislation to modernize physician associate (PA) practice in Illinois — a critical workforce policy change aimed at improving healthcare access and strengthening care delivery across the state’s rural and underserved communities.
The proposed legislation would update the Illinois PA Practice Act to align with current education, training, and clinical capabilities of PAs, allowing them to practice to the full extent of their license, similar to advanced practice nurses (APNs). This modernization is widely seen as a necessary step to address persistent provider shortages, particularly in rural areas where PAs often serve as frontline clinicians.
“Both PAs and APNs play an invaluable role in rural health care delivery and therefore the Illinois Rural Health Association believes the scope of practice of a PA should be equivalent to that of an APN under Illinois law,” said Margaret Vaughn, Executive Director of the Illinois Rural Health Association.
According to IAPA President Hazel Domingo, PA-C, this support highlights the urgency of aligning Illinois law with national standards:
“We are grateful for IRHA’s leadership and partnership. Expanding PA scope to match their training is not only sound workforce policy, it’s a strategic imperative to ensure rural hospitals, clinics, and critical access facilities have the clinicians they need to serve their communities.”
More than a dozen states across the country have enacted similar reforms, and Illinois now faces a pivotal moment to remain competitive in recruiting and retaining PAs, particularly in rural regions where access to care is most at risk. Without legislative action, Illinois risks falling further behind as neighboring states modernize their practice laws.
“Rural Illinois depends on a strong, flexible, and highly skilled healthcare workforce,” Domingo added. “Modernizing the PA Practice Act is a direct investment in that future.”
About the Illinois Academy of PAs (IAPA):
The Illinois Academy of PAs is the statewide professional organization representing physician associates in all practice settings. IAPA is committed to advancing patient access to high-quality, team-based healthcare and advocating for policies that support the PA profession’s full contribution to Illinois’ healthcare workforce.
About the Illinois Rural Health Association (IRHA):
The Illinois Rural Health Association is a statewide membership organization that works to strengthen healthcare delivery and outcomes in Illinois’ rural and underserved communities. IRHA advocates for policies, programs, and partnerships that improve access to care for all Illinois residents.
