PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS<br><br> Physician Assistants provide patient services under the written protocol and responsibility of a doctor of medicine or osteopathy; can elicit detailed patient histories and do complete physical examinations; can reach tentative diagnoses and order appropriate laboratory tests; and initiate appropriate treatment using protocol. A physician's assistant may qualify for limited authority to write prescriptions. A license is required for performance of duties under the provision of the applicable law. Can use designation PA or Physician Assistant.<br><br> REQUIREMENTS:<br> The applicant must submit evidence of good moral character, and that he or she has met the educational and examination requirements. In addition, the applicant must designate a primary supervising physician. Temporary licenses are issued to applicants who have completed the educational requirement or are licensed in another state under certain restrictions. <br><br>EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: <br><br>For new licenses, graduation from an accredited physician assistant training program is required. <br><br>EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS: <br>Examination of the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistant (NCCPA). <br><br> CONTINUING EDUCATION: <br> Biannual completion of 100 hours of continuing medical education in courses approved by the licensing authority. Contact the license authority for specific requirements. <br><br>RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS:<br> Every two years contingent on meeting continuing education requirements. Mentally and physically able to engage safely in practice.
