Physician Assistants

The AAFP position is that the term "physician assistant" or "PA" should only be used to designate a graduate of an accredited PA program who has passed the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

The AAFP position is that physician assistants should practice in integrated practice arrangements with practicing, licensed physicians. In no instance may duties be delegated to a physician assistant for which the supervising physician does not have the appropriate educational training, and current competence.

The AAFP supports the concept of patient and third-party payment for services of physician assistants. PAs and physicians deliver care in integrated practice arrangements with payment for the PA's services being provided to the employer of the PA. (1984) (2020 COD)