State lawmakers highlight PA modernization bill after Shapiro proclamation recognizing PA Week
Rep. Pat Gallagher October 9, 2026
HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – State Reps. Pat Gallagher, D-Phila., and Bridget Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, celebrated Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proclamation designating Oct. 6–12, 2026, as Physician Associates and Assistants Week in Pennsylvania.
The annual observance recognizes Pennsylvania’s physician assistants/associates’ contributions to healthcare and the difference they make in patients’ lives throughout the Commonwealth.
More than 12,000 PAs are licensed in Pennsylvania -- medical professionals who diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, they care for patients across medical specialties and settings, from hospitals and surgical practices to primary care offices, rural clinics and community health centers.
The governor’s proclamation recognizes PAs as trusted members of healthcare teams and highlights their work in rural and underserved communities, including their contributions to behavioral and mental healthcare. Throughout PA Week, PAs and PA students will raise awareness of the profession through community activities and social media.
On the heels of this proclamation, Gallagher highlighted the importance of his legislation, H.B. 2827, to modernize PA practice. The legislation aims to help patients access timely, affordable, high-quality care by removing outdated administrative burdens for PAs and physicians. It would allow greater flexibility for collaboration to be determined at the practice site, reflecting the needs of patients and the healthcare team.
“Modernizing PA practice is about making it easier for patients to get the care they need,” said Gallagher. “By removing outdated administrative requirements, we can give PAs and physicians more time to focus on patients and more flexibility to collaborate in ways that work for their practice. Our goal is to strengthen access to affordable, high-quality care while protecting patient safety.”
Kosierowski, who is a registered nurse, spoke on the importance of PAs.
“PAs help patients navigate some of the most important moments in their lives, from managing a chronic condition to recovering from surgery,” Kosierowski said. “Their knowledge and dedication strengthen the entire healthcare team. Hearing directly from PAs helps us understand what is working, where barriers remain and how we can better support the patients who depend on them.”
House Bill 2827 awaits consideration in the Pennsylvania House.