OAR 847-050-0020: Qualifications

On or after January 25, 2008, an applicant for licensure as a physician associate in this state must possess the following qualifications: (1) Have successfully completed a physician assistant or physician associate education program which is approved by the American Medical Association Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA), the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (C.A.A.H.E.P.), or the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARCPA). (2) Have passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) given by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). (a) The applicant may take the PANCE once in a 90-day period or three times per calendar year, whichever is fewer. (A) The applicant has no more than four attempts in six years to pass the PANCE. If the applicant does not pass the PANCE within four attempts, the applicant is not eligible for licensure. (B) An applicant who has passed the NCCPA certification exam, but not within the four attempts required by this rule, may request a waiver of this requirement if he/she has current certification by the NCCPA. (b) Those who have met the requirements of section (1) of this rule may make application for a Limited License, Pending Examination before passing the PANCE examination with the stipulation that if the examination is not passed within one year from the date of application, the Board withdraws its approval. (3) Applicants seeking prescription privileges must meet the requirements specified in OAR 847-050-0041.