The State Department of Health is pleased to present the report on A Study of Assistants to Physicians and Dentists in the Commonwealth, as directed by House Joint Resolution 131 of the 1972 General Assembly. This included the interim report filed with you previously.

The work of this study group represented a well coordinated team effort from varied allied health profession and the group was successful in securing passage of basic legislation in 1973 authorizing the use of physicians assistants and nurse practitioners. Their recommendations are for continued cooperative planning, especially for the educational programs. This latter is being initiated by the State Council of Higher Education.

Sincerely,

/s/ Mack I. Shanholtz, M.D.
State Health Commissioner