CHAPTER 36-4A
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
36-4A-1 Definition of terms.
36-4A-1.1 Practice agreement defined.
36-4A-2 36-4A-2, 36-4A-3. Repealed by SL 2007, ch 207, §§ 28, 29.
36-4A-3.1 Physician assistant council--Appointment--Terms--Duties--Board communication.
36-4A-4 Unlawful practice as misdemeanor--Each violation as separate offense.
36-4A-5 Student activities not limited.
36-4A-6 Federal employees' activities not limited--Christian Scientists.
36-4A-7 36-4A-7. Repealed by SL 2007, ch 207, § 30.
36-4A-8 Issuance of license--Qualifications.
36-4A-8.1 Temporary license--Expiration.
36-4A-8.2 Criminal background investigation of applicants for licensure and licensees under disciplinary investigation--Fees.
36-4A-9 36-4A-9. Repealed by SL 2007, ch 207, § 31.
36-4A-10 Assistants practicing when chapter enacted.
36-4A-11 36-4A-11 to 36-4A-19. Repealed by SL 2007, ch 207, §§ 32 to 41.
36-4A-19.1 36-4A-19.1. Repealed by SL 1994, ch 292, § 1.
36-4A-20 36-4A-20. Repealed by SL 2007, ch 207, § 42.
36-4A-20.1 Practice agreement not to include abortion.
36-4A-21 36-4A-21 to 36-4A-26. Repealed by SL 2007, ch 207, §§ 43 to 48.
36-4A-26.1 Physician assistant as agent of supervising physician--Provision of services delegated in practice agreement.
36-4A-26.2 Emergency or disaster services--Physician supervision.
36-4A-26.3 Civil liability for voluntary or gratuitous emergency medical assistance.
36-4A-27 Practice of auxiliary professions not authorized.
36-4A-28 Hospital rules applicable.
36-4A-29 Physician supervision--Methods.
36-4A-29.1 Modification of method and frequency of supervision--Number of physician assistants--Application.
36-4A-29.2 Conditions for physician supervision.
36-4A-30 Physician not relieved of professional responsibility.
36-4A-30.1 Employment arrangement of physician and physician assistant not limited.
36-4A-31 Renewal of physician assistant's license--Form.
36-4A-32 Continuing education required for renewal.
36-4A-33 Suspension of license not renewed--Reinstatement.
36-4A-34 Fees.
36-4A-35 36-4A-35. Repealed by SL 2007, ch 207, § 49.
36-4A-36 Collection and disposition of fees--Refunds not permitted.
36-4A-37 Nonrenewal, suspension, or revocation of license--Other disciplinary action.
36-4A-38 Unprofessional or dishonorable conduct defined.
36-4A-39 Right of appeal from board.
36-4A-40 Suspension of license for mental incompetence.
36-4A-41 Reissuance of canceled, revoked, or suspended license.
36-4A-42 Promulgation of rules by board.
36-4A-43 36-4A-43 to 36-4A-49. Repealed by SL 2007, ch 207, §§ 50 to 56.
36-4A-1. Definition of terms.
Terms as used in this chapter mean:
(1) "Board," the State Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners;
(2) "Physician assistant," a health professional who meets the qualifications defined in this chapter and is licensed by the board;
(3) "Supervising physician," a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed by the board who supervises a physician assistant;
(4) "Supervision," the act of overseeing the activities of, and accepting responsibility for, the medical services rendered by a physician assistant.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 2; SL 1982, ch 273, § 1; SL 1999, ch 192, §§ 1, 6; SL 2007, ch 207, § 1.
36-4A-1.1. Practice agreement defined.
The term, practice agreement, as used in this chapter, means a written agreement authored and signed by the physician assistant and the supervising physician. The practice agreement shall prescribe the delegated activities which the physician assistant may perform, consistent with § 36-4A-26.1 and contain such other information as required by the board to describe the physician assistant's level of competence and the supervision provided by the physician. A signed copy of the practice agreement shall be kept on file at the physician assistant's primary practice site and be filed with and approved by the board prior to beginning practice. No physician assistant may practice without an approved practice agreement.
Source: SL 2007, ch 207, § 9.
36-4A-3.1. Physician assistant council--Appointment--Terms--Duties--Board communication.
The board shall appoint a physician assistant council composed of three physician assistants. The term of office for each member is three years. No member may be appointed to more than three consecutive, full terms. If a vacancy occurs, the board must appoint a new member to fill the unexpired term. The appointment of a member to an unexpired term is not considered a full term.
The council shall meet at least twice each year, at a time and place set by the council, and may hold additional meetings as necessary to conduct business. The council shall meet the requirements of chapter 1-25 regarding open meetings.
The council shall:
(1) Assist the board in all matters related to the licensure, practice, education, continuing education, investigation, and discipline of physician assistants pursuant to this chapter;
(2) Make recommendations to the board regarding rules promulgated pursuant to this chapter; and
(3) Submit meeting minutes and any recommendations to the board following each council meeting.
The board shall communicate activity on all matters relating to physician assistants with the council.
Source: SL 1999, ch 192, § 5; SL 2005, ch 199, § 5; SL 2007, ch 207, § 2; SL 2020, ch 167, § 1; SL 2024, ch 152, § 4.
36-4A-4. Unlawful practice as misdemeanor--Each violation as separate offense.
Except as provided in §§ 36-4A-5 and 36-4A-6, any person who practices as a physician assistant in this state without a license issued by the board and a practice agreement approved by the board is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Each violation shall be considered a separate offense.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, §§ 19, 20; SL 1977, ch 190, § 145; SL 1999, ch 192, § 6; SL 2007, ch 207, § 3.
36-4A-5. Student activities not limited.
Nothing in this chapter limits the activities and services of a physician assistant in pursuing an approved course of study at an accredited physician assistant program.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 21 (1); SL 1999, ch 192, § 6; SL 2007, ch 207, § 4.
36-4A-6. Federal employees' activities not limited--Christian Scientists.
Nothing in this chapter limits the activities of a physician assistant employed by the federal government in the performance of their duties, nor to the Christian Scientists as such who do not practice medicine, surgery, or obstetrics by the use of any material remedies or agencies. Any physician assistant who is employed by the federal government and practices outside of the federal system shall be licensed and abide by the terms of this chapter.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 21 (2); SL 2007, ch 207, § 5.
36-4A-8. Issuance of license--Qualifications.
The board may grant a license to an applicant who:
(1) Is of good moral character;
(2) Has successfully completed an educational program for physician assistants accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant or its successor agency, or, prior to 2001, either by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program;
(3) Has passed the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination administered by the National Committee on Education for Physician Assistants; and
(4) Has submitted verification that the physician assistant applicant is not subject to any disciplinary proceeding or pending complaint before any medical or other licensing board unless the board considers such proceedings or complaint and agrees to licensure.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 12; SL 1982, ch 273, § 2; SL 1999, ch 192, § 2; SL 2007, ch 207, § 6.
36-4A-8.1. Temporary license--Expiration.
The board may issue a temporary license to an applicant who has successfully completed an approved program and has submitted evidence to the board that the applicant is a candidate accepted to write the examination required by § 36-4A-8 or is awaiting the results of the first examination for which the applicant is eligible after graduation from an approved physician assistant program. A temporary license may be issued only once and is effective for a term of not more than one hundred twenty days. A temporary license expires on the occurrence of the following:
(1) Issuance of a regular license;
(2) Failure to pass the licensing examination; or
(3) Expiration of the term for which the temporary license was issued.
Source: SL 1991, ch 301, § 1; SL 1999, ch 192, § 6; SL 2007, ch 207, § 7.
36-4A-8.2. Criminal background investigation of applicants for licensure and licensees under disciplinary investigation--Fees.
Each applicant for licensure as a physician assistant in this state shall submit to a state and federal criminal background investigation by means of fingerprint checks by the Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Upon application, the board shall submit completed fingerprint cards to the Division of Criminal Investigation. Upon completion of the criminal background check, the Division of Criminal Investigation shall forward to the board all information obtained as a result of the criminal background check. This information shall be obtained prior to permanent licensure of the applicant. The board may require a state and federal criminal background check for any licensee who is the subject of a disciplinary investigation by the board. Failure to submit or cooperate with the criminal background investigation is grounds for denial of an application or may result in revocation of a license. The applicant shall pay for any fees charged for the cost of fingerprinting or the criminal background investigation.
Source: SL 2012, ch 193, § 2.
36-4A-10. Assistants practicing when chapter enacted.
The board may license, as a physician assistant in this state, those physician assistants practicing in this state on July 1, 1973. However, such physician assistants are subject to the provisions of this chapter in so far as the chapter provides for a revocation of licenses and the causes thereof.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 14; SL 1999, ch 192, § 6; SL 2007, ch 207, § 8.
36-4A-20.1. Practice agreement not to include abortion.
The board may not approve any practice agreement that includes abortion as a permitted procedure.
Source: SL 2000, ch 189, § 1.
36-4A-26.1. Physician assistant as agent of supervising physician--Provision of services delegated in practice agreement.
A physician assistant shall be considered an agent of the supervising physician in the performance of all practice-related activities. A physician assistant may provide those medical services that are delegated by the supervising physician pursuant to § 36-4A-1.1 if the service is within the physician assistant's skills, forms a component of the physician's scope of practice, and is provided with supervision including:
(1) Initial medical diagnosis and institution of a plan of therapy or referral;
(2) Prescribing and provision of drug samples or a limited supply of labeled medications, including controlled substances listed on Schedule II in chapter 34-20B for one period of not more than thirty days, for treatment of causative factors and symptoms. Medications or sample drugs provided to patients shall be accompanied with written administration instructions and appropriate documentation shall be entered in the patient's record. Physician assistants may request, receive, and sign for professional samples of drugs provided by the manufacturer;
(3) Responding to emergencies and the institution of emergency treatment measures including the writing of a chemical or physical restraint order when the patient may do personal harm or harm others;
(4) Completing and signing of official documents such as birth and death certificates and similar documents required by law;
(5) Taking X rays and performing radiologic procedures; and
(6) Performing physical examinations for participation in athletics and certifying that the patient is healthy and able to participate in athletics.
Source: SL 2007, ch 207, § 10.
36-4A-26.2. Emergency or disaster services--Physician supervision.
A physician assistant licensed in this state or licensed or authorized to practice in any other United States jurisdiction or who is credentialed as a physician assistant by a federal employer who is responding to a need for medical care created by an emergency or a state or local disaster (not to be defined as an emergency situation which occurs in the place of one's employment) may render such care that he or she is able to provide without supervision as it is defined in this chapter, or with such supervision as is available.
No physician who supervises a physician assistant providing medical care in response to such an emergency or state or local disaster is required to meet the requirements set forth in this chapter for a supervising physician.
Source: SL 2007, ch 207, § 11.
36-4A-26.3. Civil liability for voluntary or gratuitous emergency medical assistance.
No physician assistant licensed in this state or licensed or authorized to practice in other states of the United States who voluntarily and gratuitously, and other than in the ordinary course of employment or practice, renders emergency medical assistance is liable for civil damages for any personal injuries which result from acts or omissions by those persons in rendering emergency care which constitute ordinary negligence. The immunity granted by this section does not apply to acts or omissions constituting willful, or wanton negligence or if the medical assistance is rendered at any hospital, physician's office, or other health care delivery entity where those services are normally rendered. No physician who supervises a physician assistant voluntarily and gratuitously providing emergency care as described in this section is liable for civil damages for any personal injuries which result from acts or omissions by the physician assistant rendering emergency care.
Source: SL 2007, ch 207, § 12.
36-4A-27. Practice of auxiliary professions not authorized.
Nothing in this chapter authorizes any physician assistant to perform those specific functions and duties delegated by law to those persons licensed as chiropractors under chapter 36-5, dentists and dental hygienists under chapter 36-6A, optometrists under chapter 36-7, podiatrists under chapter 36-8 or pharmacists under chapter 36-11.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 29; SL 2007, ch 207, § 13.
36-4A-28. Hospital rules applicable.
If any physician assistant renders services in a hospital and related institutions as licensed pursuant to the provisions of chapter 34-12, the physician assistant is subject to the rules and regulations of that hospital and related institutions.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 4; SL 1999, ch 192, § 6; SL 2007, ch 207, § 14.
36-4A-29. Physician supervision--Methods.
The physician, by supervision, continuous monitoring, and evaluation accepts initial and continuing responsibility for the physician assistant or assistants responsible to the physician until such relationship is terminated. Supervision may be by direct personal contact, or by a combination of direct personal contact and contact via telecommunication, as may be required by the board. If the office of a physician assistant is separate from the main office of the supervising physician, the supervision shall include on-site personal supervision by a supervising physician as required by the board. A physician assistant who is issued a temporary license pursuant to § 36-4A-8.1 shall initially receive thirty days of on-site, direct supervision by a supervising physician. Thereafter, and until expiration of the temporary license, the supervision shall include at least two one-half business days per week of on-site personal supervision by a supervising physician.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 3; SL 1982, ch 273, § 5; SL 1990, ch 302, § 2; SL 1991, ch 301, § 2; SL 1995, ch 214, § 1; SL 1999, ch 192, § 6; SL 2007, ch 207, § 15.
36-4A-29.1. Modification of method and frequency of supervision--Number of physician assistants--Application.
The board may authorize modifications in the method and frequency of supervision of a physician assistant required by § 36-4A-29 that it considers appropriate based upon its finding of adequate supervision, training, and proficiency.
A supervising physician may apply to the board for permission to supervise more than one physician assistant. The board shall establish the number of physician assistants, up to four FTE, to be supervised by a supervising physician based upon its finding that adequate supervision will exist under the arrangement proposed by the supervising physician.
The board may consider a joint application for both modification of supervision and the number of physician assistants supervised as provided in this section.
Source: SL 1994, ch 292, § 2; SL 1999, ch 192, § 4; SL 2007, ch 207, § 16.
36-4A-29.2. Conditions for physician supervision.
In order to supervise a physician assistant, a physician shall:
(1) Be licensed as a physician by the board pursuant to chapter 36-4;
(2) Be free from any restriction on his or her ability to supervise a physician assistant that has been imposed by board disciplinary action; and
(3) Maintain a written practice agreement with the physician assistant as described in § 36-4A-1.1.
Source: SL 2007, ch 207, § 17.
36-4A-30. Physician not relieved of professional responsibility.
Nothing in this chapter relieves the physician of the professional or legal responsibility for the care and treatment of patients cared for by the physician assistant.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 3; SL 2007, ch 207, § 18.
36-4A-30.1. Employment arrangement of physician and physician assistant not limited.
Nothing in this chapter limits the employment arrangement of a physician and a physician assistant licensed under this chapter.
Source: SL 2007, ch 207, § 19.
36-4A-31. Renewal of physician assistant's license--Form.
The license of every person licensed under the provisions of this chapter shall be renewed annually on a date set by the board. The request for renewal shall be made on a form furnished by the board and shall include such proof, as may be required by the board, of continuance of the qualifications for original licensure including the information set forth in subdivision 36-4A-8(2) and payment of the renewal fee.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 15; SL 1982, ch 273, § 6; SL 1999, ch 192, § 6; SL 2007, ch 207, § 20.
36-4A-32. Continuing education required for renewal.
A renewal request shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee together with evidence satisfactory to the board of the completion during the preceding twelve months of at least thirty hours of post-graduate studies approved by the board. Any physician assistant who maintains current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) may document compliance with this requirement by providing proof of current certification by the NCCPA.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 15; SL 1999, ch 192, § 6; SL 2007, ch 207, § 21.
36-4A-33. Suspension of license not renewed--Reinstatement.
Any license not renewed pursuant to § 36-4A-31 is suspended. A license so suspended may be reinstated during the following twelve months by application to the board and payment of the renewal fee and a reinstatement fee as fixed by the board pursuant to § 36-4A-34. Thereafter, a license so suspended may be reinstated only upon payment of all delinquent renewal fees and a reinstatement fee fixed by the board pursuant to § 36-4A-34, following specific approval by the board.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 15; SL 1999, ch 192, § 6; SL 2007, ch 207, § 22.
36-4A-34. Fees.
The board shall set, by rules promulgated pursuant to chapter 1-26, and shall collect in advance the following nonrefundable fees from applicants:
(1) For an initial license, not more than seventy-five dollars;
(2) For renewal of a license, not more than one hundred dollars;
(3) For reinstatement of a lapsed license, the current renewal fee plus not more than twenty-five dollars;
(4) For a temporary license, not more than fifty dollars.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 16; SL 1999, ch 190, § 2; SL 1999, ch 192, § 6; SL 2007, ch 207, § 23; SL 2008, ch 191, § 6.
36-4A-36. Collection and disposition of fees--Refunds not permitted.
All fees received by the board and moneys collected under the provisions of this chapter shall be deposited in a bank as authorized by the board. No fee may be refunded. The funds are subject to withdrawal as authorized by the board. A report of all receipts and expenditures shall be made at the close of each fiscal year and filed with the state auditor.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 18; SL 2007, ch 207, § 24.
36-4A-37. Nonrenewal, suspension, or revocation of license--Other disciplinary action.
The board may deny the issuance or renewal of a license. The board may suspend, revoke, or impose other disciplinary actions upon the license of any physician assistant issued under this chapter upon satisfactory proof, in compliance with chapter 1-26, of the licensee's:
(1) Professional incompetence or unprofessional or dishonorable conduct as defined in §§ 36-4-29 and 36-4-30;
(2) Violation of this chapter in any respect;
(3) Failure to maintain on file with the board a copy of each practice agreement containing the current information regarding the licensee's practice status as required by the board;
(4) Rendering medical services beyond those delegated to the physician assistant in the practice agreement; or
(5) Rendering medical services without supervision of a physician as required by law and the rules of the board.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 24; SL 1982, ch 273, § 7; SL 1999, ch 192, § 6; SL 2005, ch 199, § 6; SL 2007, ch 207, § 25.
36-4A-38. Unprofessional or dishonorable conduct defined.
The terms "unprofessional or dishonorable conduct" as used in this chapter shall be as those terms are defined in § 36-4-30.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 22.
36-4A-39. Right of appeal from board.
Any party feeling aggrieved by any acts, rulings, or decision of said board acting pursuant to § 36-4A-37, shall have the right to appeal the same under the provisions of chapter 1-26.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 25.
36-4A-40. Suspension of license for mental incompetence.
The provisions of § 36-4-32 shall apply to physician assistants.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 23; SL 1999, ch 192, § 8.
36-4A-41. Reissuance of canceled, revoked, or suspended license.
Upon application, the board may reissue a license to practice to any person whose licensure has been canceled, suspended, or revoked.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 26; SL 1999, ch 192, § 6; SL 2007, ch 207, § 26.
36-4A-42. Promulgation of rules by board.
The board shall promulgate rules pursuant to chapter 1-26 pertaining to fees, licensure of physician assistants, and supervision requirements.
Source: SL 1973, ch 250, § 28; SL 1986, ch 302, § 56; SL 1999, ch 192, § 6; SL 2007, ch 207, § 27; SL 2021, ch 168, § 17.
