The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) presented this news release on March 23, 2002, by email from aapa@aapa.org.

" On March 20, AAPA and NCCPA released the following joint statement announcing the Academy's return to the commission as a participating organization. The statement appears below in its entirety. Individuals interested in applying for an AAPA appointed position to the NCCPA Board of Directors can learn more about the application process . . . by going to http://www.aapa.org/
leadership/leadershipinternalopps.htm.

The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) announced today that AAPA has accepted an invitation to return to the NCCPA as a participating organization and appoint members to the NCCPA board of directors.

"AAPA's return marks a significant positive turning point in the relationship between the two organizations and our continuing joint efforts to improve the certification process and advance the PA profession," said NCCPA President Katherine J. Adamson, PA-C, M.M.S., M.A. "Our board members voted unanimously to invite AAPA to return, and we are looking forward to continuing to work together on issues that matter to PAs, the physicians with whom we work, and the patients we treat."

"We're pleased that AAPA members will be represented once again on the NCCPA board of directors," said Ed Friedmann, PA, AAPA president. "With the renewed commitment of both organizations to work together to resolve differences collegially, we are confident that recent events will continue to strengthen our relationship and our certification system for the good of the profession and the public. Together we can ensure the communication and united efforts necessary for a certification process that works for the public and the profession."

NCCPA's board of directors voted at its March 10 meeting to extend the invitation to AAPA. The AAPA board voted to accept the invitation in a March 17 conference call.

These most recent developments come after several months of discussions and meetings between leaders of the two organizations designed to establish better communications channels between the two organizations and rebuild the relationship. Representatives from both organizations agree that they have found common ground, identified mutual interests and concerns, and appreciate the need to respect each other's independence while strengthening open lines of communication. All agree that previously divisive issues are being addressed, and the focus should be on the future.

The Academy plans to have its two appointees selected in time to participate in the next meeting of the NCCPA board, which will be held this May in conjunction with the AAPA Annual Conference in Boston.

NCCPA is the only nationally recognized certifying organization for physician assistants in the United States. Established as a not-for-profit organization in 1975, NCCPA is dedicated to assuring the public that certified physician assistants meet established standards of knowledge and clinical skills upon entry into practice and throughout their careers.

AAPA is the only national organization to represent PAs in all medical and surgical specialties and work settings in the United States and federal services. Founded in 1968, the Academy works to promote quality, cost-effective health care and the professional and personal growth of PAs."