FREQUENTLY ASKED LICENSURE QUESTIONS FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
What is a notarized document?
- A notarized document is a copy of an original document made and verified by a notary. The notary will copy the document, and must state that it is a “true copy of the original document.” They will sign this statement, as well as stamp the document with their seal. We will not accept copied documents that are not notarized correctly.
My notary states he/she cannot make the “true copy” statement, what should I do?
- There are four states that do not allow a notary to make the required statement: Michigan, Illinois, California and New York. If you are from one of these states you need to do the following: The custodian makes a photocopy of the original document, makes a written statement about the trueness, correctness and completeness of the copy, signs the statement before a notary, is identified by the notary and takes an oath affirming the truth of the statement. The notary, having witnessed the signing, identifies the signer either through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence, and given the oath or affirmation, executes the notary statement.
Why must I provide my email address?
- We require an email address as we send all correspondence regarding your license and application via email. Please make sure you keep it current with us just as you would your mailing address.
I am out of state, how do I get my criminal back ground check?
- There are lengthy instructions on how to proceed with the criminal back ground check on our website. Go to scroll down, and click out of state instructions.
When can I get my criminal background check done?
- You can only obtain your criminal background check once you have been notified that your application has been received by our office. If you choose to complete the process prior to notification, your background check will not be accepted and you will have to repeat the process.
Can I obtain a physician assistant license in Indiana without a supervising physician?
- Yes. Complete the entire application process, leaving out the supervising physician page of the application and the supervising agreement. Please put a note with your application that you are not currently working. You will not be able to practice without a supervising physician. After your license number has been issued and you have obtained employment, you will be required to submit the change/addition application along with the $50 fee and a supervising agreement.
Can I obtain a temporary permit while I am waiting on my documents to arrive?
- No. Temporary permits can only be issued once the application is complete and awaiting review by the PA Committee. You must have already taken the exam to receive a temporary permit.
How many physician assistants may my supervising physician supervise?
- A physician may only have supervising agreements with 2 physician assistants.
The Physician Assistant Committee only meets quarterly; will I have to wait until the next meeting to have my application reviewed for approval?
- No. We email the files to Committee members approximately once a month for review.
- Any prescriptive authorities applications that are approved by the Committee will also need to be approved by the Medical Board. The Medical Board meets the 4th Thursday of each month.
I have submitted my application for prescriptive authority with all my information, can I start prescribing immediately?
- No, you cannot prescribe until the PA Committee and Medical Board reviews and approves your application. Once the PA Committee approves the prescriptive authority, the application is sent to the next Medical Board meeting where the members of the Medical Board review and approve the applications. Only after the prescriptive authority has been approved by the Medical Board, can you start using your prescriptive authority.
How will I know when my license or prescriptive authority is issued?
- You will receive a computer generated email the day it is issued with the license number and information on how you may obtain a pocket license.
How will I know when my license is issued?
- You will receive a computer generated email the evening that your license is issued notifying you of your license number and instructions on how to obtain a copy of your pocket license.
When will my license expire?
- All genetic counselor licenses expire June 30th of the even years, regardless of the issuance date. Renewal notifications will be sent by email approximately 60 days before the expiration date. The renewal fee is $50.
Will I be required to do continuing education?
- You are not required to do CE for renewal of your Indiana license; however, you are required to maintain your NCCPA certification.
Helpful tips regarding practice agreements:
- If you do not have prescriptive authority, there should NOT be anything in the agreement regarding prescribing medications.
- It is recommended that you only list 1 supervising physician on your practice agreement. All other physicians can be considered designees of the supervising physician.
- The agreements should be identified as supervising agreements rather than collaborative agreements.
- Agreements should be reviewed annually by both the PA and the physician and an updated/signed copy be kept on file with the parties.
- The agreement must have ORIGINAL signatures of the PA and the MD/DO.
- Emergency procedures must be included in all agreements.
- If you have prescriptive authority, please list the following:
In accordance with the PA prescribing laws, the PA may not prescribe or dispense the following drugs;
schedule 1 substance listed in IC 35-48-2-4;
schedule II substance listed in IC 35-48-2-6;
schedule III, schedule IV, or schedule V drug if the drug contains Oxycodone.
However, a physician assistant may prescribe one (1) dose of a drug listed in number 2 or 3 for immediate administration if the patient is in an inpatient hospital post-operative setting and the physician is unavailable to make the prescription.
Specific drug classifications must be listed, i.e., antibiotics, analgesics, etc.
FAQs regarding prescriptive authority may be found at the very bottom of the home page at