Department of Consumer Affairs Physician Assistant Committee

Information Bulletin

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT INTERIM APPROVAL
Reference: Title 16, California Code of Regulations, section 1399.508

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The Physician Assistant Committee (PAC) has the authority under Business and Professions Code, Section 3517 to grant interim approval for a maximum period of six (6) months to an applicant who has applied for California physician assistant (PA) licensure if the following requirements are met:

1. The applicant must provide evidence that he/she is a graduate of a California approved PA training program.
2. The applicant has applied for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) subsequent to the applicant's successful completion of the PA training program.
3. The name and physicianlicense number issued by the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, of all supervising physician(s) under whom they will be performing medical services must be submitted in writing prior to being granted interim approval.

Individuals working under interim approval are allowed to practice in accordance with the Physician Assistant Laws and Regulations, with the following specific conditions:

  • California law permits licensed PA's to transmit written prescription drug orders only when authorized by their supervising physician. Individuals granted interim approval are not considered "licensed" and may not transmit written prescription drug orders. However, persons issued interim approval may be granted authority by their supervising physician to transmit a drug order orally, or in writing on a patient's record, a prescription from the supervising physician to a person who may lawfully furnish such medication or medical device. (Reference: B&P Code, Section 3502.1 and Title 16, California Code of Regulations, section 1399.541(h))
  • A supervising physician must review, sign and date the medical record of all patients cared for by an applicant working under interim approval within seven (7) days if the supervising physician was on the premises when the interim approved individual diagnosed or treated the patient. If the supervising physician was not on the premises at that time then the supervising physician must review, sign, and date such medical records within 48 hours of the time in which the medical services were provided. (Reference: Title 16, California Code of Regulations, section 1399.545(f))

When the applicant practicing under interim approval passes the PANCE, the applicant has 90 days from the date of the release of scores in which to complete the licensing process by paying the initial license fee and returning the original interim approval certificate that was issued. If the applicant does not complete the licensing process within 90 days of notification, the interim approval shall automatically terminate and the applicant shall immediately cease practice as a PA.

If the person granted interim approval does not pass the PANCE, the interim approval automatically terminates upon receipt of notice of such failure from the PAC or NCCPA.

The Physician Assistant Laws and Regulations are available on the PAC Web site http://www.pac.ca.gov/about_us/lawsregs/index.shtml or by contacting the PAC at (916) 561-8780.