License/Registration
- How to Apply/What Happens Next
- Eligibility Requirements - PA
- Eligibility Requirements - AA
- Eligibility Requirements - Supervising Physician
- Forms
- Fees
- Renewal Requirements
- Registration Termination Requirements
- Reinstatement
- FAQ
- Check Pending Application
Emergency PA/AA registration
Per the Governor's proclamation, emergency registration agreements shall be deemed approved upon submission to the Board. Acknowledgement of receipt and approval letter will be provided via email.
Current Alabama PA License - Emergency PA Registration Agreement
Current Alabama AA License - Emergency AA Registration Agreement
How to Apply/What Happens Next
- Apply for a license to practice as an assistant to a physician.
- Apply for registration to a supervising physician/anesthesiologist (at the same time as or following license application).
- Applications are placed on the next available Board agenda.
- Applicant is notified of approval or non-approval.
- Processing time for licensure is four to six weeks.
Eligibility Requirements - PA
- Successful completion of a training program accredited by the ARC-PA.
- Successful completion of PANCE.
- Submit application and fee.
- Submit to a criminal history background check.
- Documentation submitted through the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) may be accepted to demonstrate compliance with the credentialing requirements.
Eligibility Requirements - Supervising Physician
- Hold a current, unrestricted license to practice medicine in Alabama.
- On the date of application, has practiced medicine for at least one year if certified by or eligible for ABMS/AOA specialty board certification, or has practiced medicine for at least three years.
Eligibility Requirements - AA
- Successful completion of a training program accredited by CAHEA.
- Successful completion of CEAA.
- Submit application and fee.
- Submit to a criminal history background check.
Eligibility Requirements - Supervising Anesthesiologist
- Hold a current, unrestricted license to practice medicine in Alabama and practice in the medical specialty of anesthesiology.
- On the date of application, be eligible for board certification or be board certified by the ABA or AOB.
Application Checklist
Forms
Licensing
- Online Application for PA License (includes instructions)
- Online Application for AA License (includes instructions)
- Appendix - Verification of Other State Licenses
- Application to review Alabama Criminal History Record Information
- Please note: Must be mailed with two completed fingerprint cards
- To request fingerprint cards, use our Contact form (provide your mailing address)
- Declaration of Citizenship/Legal Presence and List of Documents Demonstrating Citizenship
- Reinstatement Application Form (for surrendered or revoked licenses only)
- Name Change Form
Registration-PA
- Application for registration of PA - REQUIRED
- Core Duties and Scope of Practice - REQUIRED
- Supplemental certificate of hospital/corporate employer (if applicable)
- Formulary for non-controlled prescribing (if applicable)
- Covering physician agreement(if applicable)
- PA/AA Registration Termination Form
Registration-AA
- Application for registration of AA - REQUIRED
- Supplemental certificate of hospital/corporate employer (if applicable)
- Covering anesthesiologist certification
- Skill protocol template (if applicable)
- PA/AA Registration Termination Form
Additional Skills
- Skill protocol template
- Critical care skills requirements for initial certification
- Critical care skills request to train
- Orthopedic specialty protocol
- Orthopedic specialty protocol request to train
- Otolaryngology specialty protocol
- Otolaryngology specialty protocol request to train
- Botulinum toxin for hyperhidrosis protocol and request to train
Fees
- Initial license: $200
- Criminal Background Check Fee: $65
- Total for Initial License:$265
- License renewal fee: $100
- Registration: $100
- Print Receipts at the Licensee Portal
Renewal Requirements
- Licenses are renewed annually on or before Dec. 31.
- Annual CME requirement is 25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.
If a PA/AA fails to renew a license before Jan. 1 of each year, it may subsequently be renewed as follows:
- Between Jan. 1 and Jan. 31, submit a completed application, pay the fee, and certify completion of the required CME credits earned in the prior year.
- Feb. 1 and thereafter, submit a completed application, pay the fee, and submit proof of completion of the required CME credits earned within the preceding 12 months.
A form for the reissue may be requested from the Assistants to Physicians licensing department using our contact form.
Registration Termination Requirements
- The PA/AA and the physician/anesthesiologist are responsible for informing the Board of the effective date of the termination of employment and the reasons for such termination.
- Failure to notify the Board of termination may be considered by the Board as a violation of Board rules for the purpose of approval of future applications for registration.
- Termination must be in writing and can be accomplished using the PA/AA registration termination form.
Reinstatement After Voluntary Surrender or Revocation
A PA/AA whose license was voluntarily surrendered or revoked should submit a reinstatement application form.
Pursuant to Ala. Code § 34-24-306, requests for reinstatement of a revoked or surrendered license which are filed with the Board within 24 months of the effective date of the revocation or surrender may be dismissed by the Board as prematurely filed. The Board is without jurisdiction to reinstate the license of an assistant to physician whose license was revoked or voluntarily surrendered if the request for reinstatement is received by the Board more than five years after the effective date of the revocation or surrender.
FAQ
How long will it take to process my application?
Generally, it takes four to six weeks to process an initial application. Registration agreements may take less or more time for approval depending upon their complexity.
What is a “remote site”?
An approved site for a registration agreement without a supervising or covering physician on-site. The supervising physician’s principal practice site, acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, licensed, special-care assisted living facilities, and licensed assisted living facilities are not remote practice sites for the purpose of these rules.
What is Quality Assurance?
A plan for quality assurance management with defined quality outcome measures for evaluation of the clinical practice of the physician assistant and include review of a meaningful sample of medical records plus all adverse outcomes. The term “medical records” includes, but is not limited to, electronic medical records. Documentation of quality assurance review shall be readily retrievable, identify records that were selected for review, include a summary of findings conclusions, and, if indicated, recommendations for change.
How many PAs may a physician supervise?
The determination is not made on the number of people. The Board limits a physician to supervise a total of 160 "full-time equivalent" (FTE) hours per week of mid-level practitioners. Mid-level practitioners include CRNPs, CNMs, and PAs. The county and state health departments are exempt from this rule. Please contact our office if you have further questions about this issue.
May a collaborating or covering physician supervise a PA, CRNP, or CNM practicing in a hospital where the physician does not have privileges?
No, a PA, CRNP, or CNM may only practice in a hospital where the practitioner and his or her supervising or collaborating physician both have privileges.
Can a PA, CRNP, or CNM refer patients to physical therapists?
Yes, they may refer to physical therapists for treatment based on a protocol prescribed by the licensed physician under whom the PA, CRNP, or CNM is practicing.
Can PAs, CRNPs, or CNMs approve handicapped decals?
No, the Board made this determination in August 2009.
Can PAs order MRIs?
Yes.
Can a PA dictate a death summary?
Yes, as long as the physician co-signs the death summary.