Which organization is responsible for certification and recertification for PAs in the United States?

Which organization is responsible for certification and recertification for PAs in the United States?

• A. American Board of Medical Specialties
• B. National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
• C. American Medical Association
• D. National Board of Medical Examiners

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that certification and ongoing certification for physician assistants in the United States are handled by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. This organization develops and administers the PA certification process, starting with the PANCE, which grants the PA-C credential after passing. To keep that credential current, PAs undergo recertification through the PANRE and must meet ongoing CME and other maintenance requirements. This structure is specific to PAs and ensures they remain up to date in practice. The other organizations are focused on physicians: the American Board of Medical Specialties certifies medical specialty boards for physicians; the American Medical Association is a broad professional association for physicians; and the National Board of Medical Examiners creates licensing exams for physicians. They do not certify or recertify physician assistants.

The key idea is that certification and ongoing certification for physician assistants in the United States are handled by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. This organization develops and administers the PA certification process, starting with the PANCE, which grants the PA-C credential after passing. To keep that credential current, PAs undergo recertification through the PANRE and must meet ongoing CME and other maintenance requirements. This structure is specific to PAs and ensures they remain up to date in practice.

The other organizations are focused on physicians: the American Board of Medical Specialties certifies medical specialty boards for physicians; the American Medical Association is a broad professional association for physicians; and the National Board of Medical Examiners creates licensing exams for physicians. They do not certify or recertify physician assistants.