Physician Assistants: Scope of Practice by State

As a physician assistant, it’s essential to understand the laws and regulations on scope of practice that govern and guide you as you practice. These vary from state to state and detail activities licensed medical professionals are legally permitted to perform in their practice area. 

Use the map below to view the latest PA scope of practice by state, provided by the NCSL Scope of Practice Policy. Hover over your state to view policies in these areas: supervision requirements, practice and prescriptive authority, and scope of practice determination. For more detail, click your state or territory.

For more information regarding specific state policy laws not listed here, refer to your state’s Physician Assistant Practice Act. 

Updated 11/7/2023.

Supervision requirements detail the need for a written collaborative agreement between the PA and the physician that outlines the procedures a PA is allowed to perform. Supervision of a PA can be determined at the practice level (within the medical practice the PA will be practicing), or determined by the state medical board or state law.

Scope of practice can be determined at the practice level between the PA and the collaborating physician, or determined by the state medical board or state law.

Need help with licensing? Ask our experts.

Visit Our Resource Center

Connect With Us

Federal facts for you.

We are a Federal Supply Schedule Contract holder. 

Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contract: 36F79723D0086, Professional and Allied Healthcare Staffing, effective March 15, 2023, through March 14, 2028.

NAICS Codes:
  • 561320: Temporary help services. 
  • 621111: Offices of physicians. 
  • 621112: Offices of physicians, mental health specialists. 
  • 621399: Offices of all other miscellaneous health practitioners. 
  • 621330: Offices of mental health practitioners.

Privileging.

Once you and our client agree to move forward with your assignment, our privileging team will assist you and the client in gathering information required by the healthcare facility to grant clinical privileges.

1

We contact the facility’s Medical Service Office (MSO) for their application and requirements.

2

We will assist you by pre-populating the facility’s application and sending to the MSO.

3

We will assist the MSO by following up on requested items.

4

MSO will grant privileges based on your training and experience, and you will be able to start your assignment.

Maggie Youmans

Senior Vice President, Sales

As Senior Vice President, Maggie oversees several key specialty divisions and adjacent teams. With a demonstrated history of leading teams and developing individuals across the organization, she is dedicated to inspiring, challenging and empowering associates to achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Maggie earned degrees in marketing and management focused on consumer economics from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. She enjoys traveling with her husband to visit different bed and breakfasts. Together, they have been able to see the beauty within their own backyard and across the country.

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn.

Anne Anderson

Executive Vice President

"I'm passionate about the locum tenens industry - we make a real difference in the lives of both our heroic healthcare providers and the patients they treat."

Anne has been at the forefront of the evolution of locum tenens for more than 35 years. She’s a respected leader with expertise in corporate operations, risk management, credentialing, and travel services. Before joining Jackson + Coker, she served as Executive Vice President at Medical Doctor Associates, part of Cross Country Healthcare. 

An ardent industry advocate, Anne served several years on the Board of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), including two years as president. 

Anne received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Spring Hill College. She is also a PADI open water diver and enjoys scuba diving. 

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn.