Physician Assistant General Information 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization is responsible for certifying Physician Assistants in the United States?
- American Academy of PAs (AAPA)
- National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) (Correct answer)
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB)
Correct answer: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
The NCCPA is the only credentialing organization for PAs in the United States, awarding the PA-C credential.
Question 2: How many hours of continuing medical education (CME) must a PA complete every two years to maintain NCCPA certification?
- 50 hours
- 100 hours (Correct answer)
- 150 hours
- 200 hours
Correct answer: 100 hours
PAs must complete 100 hours of CME every two years, with at least 50 hours being Category 1 credits.
Question 3: What is the primary scope of practice document that guides PA practice in the United States?
- State Medical Practice Act (Correct answer)
- PA Practice Agreement
- AAPA Guidelines for Ethical Conduct
- Collaborating Physician Agreement
Correct answer: State Medical Practice Act
Each state's Medical Practice Act defines the legal scope of practice for PAs within that state.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the collaborative practice model for PAs?
- PAs practice independently without physician oversight
- PAs work under the supervision of a licensed physician (Correct answer)
- PAs must refer all cases to a physician before treatment
- PAs practice under hospital administrative oversight only
Correct answer: PAs work under the supervision of a licensed physician
PAs practice medicine with physician supervision or collaboration, though the degree varies by state law.
Question 5: The PANRE (Physician Assistant National Recertifying Examination) must be taken every how many years?
- 5 years
- 7 years
- 10 years (Correct answer)
- 15 years
Correct answer: 10 years
PAs must pass the PANRE every 10 years to maintain their NCCPA certification.
Question 6: Which credential does a PA earn upon successfully passing the PANCE?
- PA-BC
- PA-C (Correct answer)
- RPA-C
- MPA
Correct answer: PA-C
Passing the PANCE awards the PA-C (Physician Assistant — Certified) credential from the NCCPA.
Question 7: What is the minimum degree required to sit for the PANCE as of 2020?
- Bachelor of Science
- Master's degree (Correct answer)
- Associate's degree
- Doctor of Medical Science
Correct answer: Master's degree
ARC-PA mandated that all accredited PA programs must award a master's degree by 2020, making it the minimum requirement to graduate and sit for the PANCE.
Physician Assistant General Information 2
Which organization is responsible for certifying Physician Assistants in the United States?