Resources
Credentialing and Practice Requirements
In order to practice in California (excluding federal employment) the PA must successfully complete an accredited physician assistant program, pass the examination given by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, and be licensed by the Physician Assistant Committee of the Medical Board of California. Physician assistants maintain national certification by earning 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and re-certifying every six years. The Medical Board of California must approve supervising physicians. Specific questions regarding eligibility for or denial of California licensure should be directed to the:
Physician Assistant Committee (PAC)
State of California, Department of Consumer Affairs
2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1100
Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: (916) 561-8780
E-mail: pacommittee@mbc.ca.gov
Website: http://www.pac.ca.gov
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
12000 Findley Road, Suite 100
Duluth, GA 30097-1409
Phone: (678) 417-8100
E-mail: nccpa@nccpa.net
Website: http://www.nccpa.net/
Note: The ability to obtain a state PA license may be compromised by a criminal record.
Professional Organizations
Additional information on physician assistant training and practice, relevant legislation, and resources on PA education and training programs can be obtained through the following resources:
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
2318 Mill Road, Suite 1300
Alexandria, VA 22314-1552
Phone: (703) 836-2272
E-mail: aapa@aapa.org
Website: http://www.aapa.org
California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA)
3100 W. Warner Avenue, Suite 3
Santa Ana, CA 92704
Phone: (714) 427-0321
E-mail: capa@capanet.org
Website: http://www.capanet.org
Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA)
300 N. Washington Street, Suite 505
Alexandria, VA 22314-2544
Phone: (703) 548-5538
E-mail: info@PAEAonline.org
Website: http://www.paeaonline.org
Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physican Assistant (ARC-PA)
12000 Findley Road, Suite 240
Johns Creek, GA 30097
Phone: (770) 476-1224
Fax: (770) 476-1738
Website: http://www.arc-pa.org
Society for the Preservation of Physician Assistant History
Website: http://www.pahx.org/