Which entity licenses Physician Assistants in most states?

Which entity licenses Physician Assistants in most states?

• A. By PA Subcommittee of the Medical Board
• B. By the Federal Medical Board
• C. By State Medical Board
• D. By Osteopathic Medical Board

Answer: (C)

Licensing physician assistants is handled at the state level, with the State Medical Board serving as the typical licensing authority in most states. This board oversees who can practice, what educational and certification requirements are needed (such as graduating from an accredited PA program and passing the certification exam), and how licenses are renewed or disciplined. While some states may have variations—such as licensing PAs under an Osteopathic Medical Board or a PA-specific board—the common pattern is that the State Medical Board is the primary licensure authority. Federal licensure does not exist for PAs, so there isn’t a national license; and subcommittees within a board do not independently issue licenses.

Licensing physician assistants is handled at the state level, with the State Medical Board serving as the typical licensing authority in most states. This board oversees who can practice, what educational and certification requirements are needed (such as graduating from an accredited PA program and passing the certification exam), and how licenses are renewed or disciplined. While some states may have variations—such as licensing PAs under an Osteopathic Medical Board or a PA-specific board—the common pattern is that the State Medical Board is the primary licensure authority. Federal licensure does not exist for PAs, so there isn’t a national license; and subcommittees within a board do not independently issue licenses.