Midwestern PA Students, Faculty Push for Licensure Reform at State Capitol

A delegation of physician assistant (PA) students, faculty, and practicing PAs from across Illinois gathered at the state Capitol on March 4, 2025, to advocate for Senate Bill 271, a measure aimed at modernizing PA practice in the state. The bill seeks to streamline licensure for PA graduates, reduce administrative burdens, and improve access to healthcare. 

Led by the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants (IAPA), the group spent the day meeting with legislators, including Sen. Javier Cervantes (D-45th), the bill’s sponsor, and many state representatives. Among those in attendance were Midwestern University faculty member Leah Pieczynski, M.M.S., PA-C, co-director of clinical education at Midwestern University’s PA Program and faculty liaison for the IAPA, and Edda Anderson, (CHS-DG, PA ’25), MWU student representative for the IAPA. They joined IAPA and Midwestern University lobbyist Dan Shomon in discussions with key policymakers. 

“We were able to explain what it is that we are trying to accomplish in getting this bill passed, as well as clear up any misconceptions involving the details of our legislative efforts,” said Ms. Pieczynski. “Everyone agrees that accessibility to quality healthcare is a problem, and this bill is an integral part of improving that.” 

Bill Calls to Modernize PA Practice

SB 271 aims to modernize PA licensure by reducing the bureaucratic hurdles that can delay qualified graduates from entering the workforce. Under the proposed legislation, PAs would still work in collaboration with physicians but would no longer be required to maintain written collaborative agreements with the state. Instead, this collaboration will be spelled out in employment contracts. 

For Edda Anderson, the experience of meeting lawmakers and making a case for the bill was incredibly impactful. “As a student, I was really impressed by how much legislators wanted to hear from us about SB 271 and how it could shape our future practice. What impacted me most, though, was seeing support from outside the PA profession, including doctors and patients, who came to join and support us for lobby day. Ultimately this is what we want – for PAs to be recognized and uplifted by the community,” Edda said. “This experience reinforced that if we want change, we’ll earn a seat at the table by showing up and being prepared to communicate our concerns." 

Midwestern University PA Students and Faculty Advocate for Change

Throughout the day, the delegation moved between the Capitol and the legislative office building to emphasize the importance of legislative support for PAs, meeting with Reps. Michael Kelly (D-Chicago), Harry Benton (D-Plainfield), and Terra Costa Howard (D-Lombard), who represents the Downers Grove area where Midwestern University is located. 

Ms. Pieczynski emphasized the role of professional membership in ensuring the success of advocacy efforts. “If we can increase student and licensed Illinois PA membership in IAPA, we will support the efforts of this organization to have our voices heard,” she said. “On a personal level, it felt good to be back in my hometown lobbying for the modernization of PA practice laws. It was so rewarding to sit down with Illinois senators and state representatives and have meaningful conversations about the importance of this bill in addressing healthcare access challenges.” 

The bill is currently under review in committee, and supporters hope their lobbying efforts will help propel it forward in the legislative process.