When must a physician assistant notify the Board of a change in supervising physician?

The requirement for a physician assistant to notify the Board of a change in supervising physician within not later than 30 days is rooted in ensuring that the regulatory body maintains up-to-date information about the supervision arrangements governing physician assistants. This timeframe allows the Board to verify and keep track of which physicians are currently supervising which assistants, which is essential for regulatory compliance and patient safety.

Notifying the Board within 30 days provides a reasonable period for the assistant to complete any necessary paperwork and confirm a new supervisory arrangement, while still ensuring that the Board’s records reflect current practices and supervisory relationships. Timely communication underscores the importance of professional accountability among medical practitioners and supports the regulatory framework within which they operate.

Other potential options, such as immediate notification or a shorter time frame, might place undue burdens on the assistant or fail to accommodate practical realities in the physician practice context. Alternatively, a longer notification period might lead to gaps in oversight, which is counterproductive to the protective role that licensing boards serve in healthcare.