Physician assistants, also referred to as physician associates, are nationally certified and state-licensed medical professionals, and practice on health care teams with physicians and other providers. Generally, PAs can take medical histories, conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illness, order and interpret tests, develop treatment plans, prescribe medication, counsel on preventative care, assist in surgery and perform procedures.
The links to the right lead to maps showing a comparison of all states and territories for the following policy areas:
1. Supervision requirements, practice and prescriptive authority (shown below).
2. Scope of practice determination.
3. Adaptable proximity requirements.
4. Chart co-signatures.
5. Number of PAs supervised.
Choose a tab to explore different options. For more detailed information, please click on a state or territory.
Physician Assistants:
Number of PAs Supervised
Mobile users can use this dropdown of states if the map is too small.
LEGEND
- Statute limits the number of PAs a physician may supervise.
- Statute does not limit the number of PAs a physician may supervise.
States have the option to regulate the number of physician assistants (PAs) that a physician or other qualified health care professional are authorized to supervise. Some states may choose to include other mid-level providers, such as advanced practice registered nurses, within their number limit.
Policy areas for Physician Assistants
Supervision Requirements (Practice and Prescriptive Authority)
Adaptable Proximity Requirements
Scope of Practice Determination
Practitioner Scope of Practice
- Behavioral Health Providers
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
- Optometrists
- Oral Health Providers
- Pharmacists
- Physician Assistants