Physician Assistant - FAQ



Rev. 8/2007

Frequently Asked Questions – Physician Assistants

1. When did licensure become effective? Regulations requiring licensure for Physician Assistants became effective February 1, 1989.

2. How can I obtain an application for a license and how long does the process take? Applications can be downloaded from the board’s website at dhp.. or you may call the board office at 804-367-4501. The average time to process an application is 6 to 8 weeks.

3. Can I begin practice immediately after the license is issued? Virginia requires a current license and an approved practice protocol. A person may hold a Virginia license, but cannot practice without an approved protocol.

4. Can I practice with a temporary license until a full license is issued? Virginia does not issue a temporary license, however, pending the outcome of the next examination administered by the NCCPA, an applicant who has met all other requirements at the time his application is submitted may be granted provisional licensure. The provisional licensure shall be valid until the applicant takes the next subsequent NCCPA examination and its results are reported, not to exceed 30 days.

5. How can I apply for prescriptive authority? In Virginia, a licensed physician assistant shall have the authority to prescribe controlled substances and devices for Schedules V and VI on and after July 1, 2001 and Schedules IV through VI on and after January 1, 2003. The board requires successful completion of a minimum of 35 hours of acceptable training in pharmacology. The application for practice protocol will include a request for prescriptive authority will constitute a written agreement with the licensed physician for the supervision of the prescriptive practices of the assistant.

6. How can I obtain a copy of my practice protocol? You must provide a written request for a copy of your practice protocol to include the name of your supervising physician.

7. When do I have to renew my license and how long does it take to process? Your license must be renewed biennially during your birth month in each odd-numbered year. The fee is $135.00. Licenses are updated upon receipt of fees. A current license is printed, mailed and delivered to its destination within 10 working days. If you do not receive your updated license within four weeks of payment, contact the board office.

8. What is the difference between an active and inactive license, and what are my options to renew my license? An active state licensee allows practice. Current NCCPA certification is required for an active license. An inactive does not allow practice.

9. I am applying for a license in another state that requires verification of my Virginia license. How do I verify my license to another jurisdiction? Verification of license to another jurisdiction requires a written request to the board office with payment of $10.00, check made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. You must provide your full name and license number and the mailing address of jurisdiction to receive verification.

10. What if I had not notified you of my change of address and the renewal form was sent to the old address? If you do not receive a notice to renew, you will need to contact the board office at 804-367-4511 for instructions to renew.

11. What if my renewal payment is not received by the deadline? An additional fee for processing a late renewal will be imposed. The license will not be updated until the additional fee is received.

12. I have mailed my renewal form to you. When can I expect to receive my new wallet card? A renewal certificate with the wallet card attached is generated upon receipt of the renewal fee. It should reach the licensees address of record within 10 to 14 business days.

13. I am going out of the country for a year. Can I renew early? No. A license can only be updated within 60 days prior to the expiration date.

14. What do I have to do to notify the board of an upcoming name change? A name change must be made in writing with a copy of legal documentation of name change.

15. I have not received my renewal certificate for the current year. What do I need to do? Contact the board office at 804-367-4511.

16. Can you fax renewal forms to me? No.

17. May I verify a license online? Yes. Go to dhp.medicine. See License Look Up.

18. Does the Virginia Board have a newsletter? The board publishes a Board Brief in the spring and fall. Board briefs can be found on our website.

19. May I renew my Virginia state certification online? No.

20. May I change my address online? No. Address changes must be made in writing and submitted by mail, email or fax.

21. If I want to file a complaint, may I obtain a complaint form online? Yes, and you may email your complaint to complaints@dhp. .

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