(Juneau) - Since taking office Representative Hugh Fate (R) Fairbanks has worked toward improving the quality of health care in Alaska. Those efforts included bringing Physician Assistants (PAs) into the definition of health care provider.

On Wednesday, January 14, 2004, Alaska Academy of Physician Assistants by a unanimous vote named Representative Fate and Senator Donny Olson (D), Nome as honorary members for their support of the profession.

During the 22nd Alaska Legislature two bills became law; HB 411 sponsored by Fate and Olson's SB 58. Fate's bill recognized PAs as health care providers, with consideration for malpractice coverage and the ability to determine if an individual meets the requirements for special handicapped permits. Olson's SB 58 which had a companion version, HB 91 also sponsored by Fate added a seat on the State Medical Board for a Physician Assistant.

Fate, a retired dentist, was surprised by the award, presented by Jim Wojciehowski and Ed Hall. He thanked them for the honor of being able to help improve the quality of health care in Alaska. The changes in law are especially important in non-urban areas, where a physician assistant may be the nearest person to a medical doctor available.

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