The remainder are involved in teaching, research, administration, or other nonclinical roles. Like many other professions, physician assistants are regulated at two different levels. Licensure is a process that takes place at the state level in accordance with specific state laws. In contrast, certification is established through a national organization, with requirements for minimal practice standards being consistent across all states. Prescriptive practice privileges for PAs exist in about 35 states.
All state laws require PAs to have a supervising physician.
Most states allow physician supervision to occur via telephone communication with periodic site visits.