VHA DIRECTIVE 1063: UTILIZATION OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS (PA)

VHA Directive 1063 – Policy on Utilization of PA

PURPOSE: This Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Directive provides policy and guidelines for utilization of Physician Assistants (PA) in VHA. AUTHORITY: 38 U.S.C. § 7301(b) and 7402(b). VHA Directive 1063  

This policy is the main reference for all things related to PA Practice within the VA Healthcare System. It covers how Physician Assistants are to be utilized as healthcare providers within the federal government, prescribing medication, collaboration and physician liability, practice autonomy, proficiency and competency assessments. It is the cornerstone of PA practice at the VA. It defines everything about how a practice will be privileged, observed, evaluated, supported and modified. It describes level of autonomy, requirements for practice, and the responsibilities of key members of the health care system in regards to PA utilization. As all PAs in the VA must be in compliance with this directive.

VA HANDBOOK 5005/134 STAFFING

REASON FOR ISSUE: To revise the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) qualification standard for the appointment of Physician Assistant (PA), VN/AD-0603, appointed under 38 U.S.C. § 7401(1) and 38 U.S.C. § 7405 in Veterans Health Administration (VHA). VA Handbook 5005/134 (pdf)

This directive lists the basic qualifications for appointment as a Physician Assistant in the VHA including citizenship, education, certification, licensure, physical requirements, and language proficiency.

It also describes the PA grades (I-V) and outlines the requirements for placement into each.

State License – Every VHA PA must be in possession of a current, full, and unrestricted license from any state. The License must be maintained as a condition of employment at the VA. It is the responsibility of the PA to track the expiration of their state license and renew prior to expiration. 

VHA FY 2023-2025 OPERATIONAL PLANNING GUIDANCE

VHA Operational Planning Guidance will assist Program Office, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) and Medical Center officials in developing organization-specific Priority to Action (P2A) Operating Plans that will be expressly devoted to the VHA P2A Plans, cascading from the FY 2022-2025.  VHA FY 2023-2025 Operational Planning Guide (pdf)

Introduction to VA Health Care Priorities: Priority to Action (P2A) Presentation

Priority to Action (P2A) efforts focus on implementation through the Health Care Operations Center (HOC), in partnership with the Chief Strategy Office (CSO) and with project Management by the Office of Healthcare Transformation (OHT), to transition responsibility to sustainment owners. Introduction to VA Health Care Priorities: Priority to Action (P2A) Presentation (pdf)