Moving to Indiana
Indiana is a great place to work and live. We are proud members of the medical community and embrace the PA-physician team approach to delivery the best care to our patients.
In order to help current or prospective Hoosier PAs, IAPA has tried to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding practice in Indiana. This section is intended as a resource and is not all inclusive of the nuances of practicing in our fair state. You can access additional information and help in the "Additional Links" page under Practice Resources.
Supervision
How many PAs may one physician supervise?
A physician is authorized to supervise two PAs at one time. The physician needs to supply the names and license numbers to the Physician Assistant Committee under the Supervisory Agreement during the application process. http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title25/ar27.5/
How many supervising physicians may one PA have?
There is no limit to the number of supervision physicians that one PA may have.
Does Indiana require a primary supervising physician prior to applying for a PA license?
Yes. To complete the application for licensure as a PA in Indiana, you will need to have your supervising physician complete the supervision physician’s statement. This will include providing other physician assistants they may be supervising and attaching a supervisory agreement on company letterhead.
Are there requirements for reviewing or cosigning charts by my supervising physician?
Yes. A supervising physician or physician designee must review all patient encounters no later than 24 hours after the physician assistant has seen the patient. Supervision by the physician or physician designee must be continuous as stated but they do not have to be present at the patient encounter at the time or the physical place the patient is seen.
Delegated Prescriptive Authority
What are the current prescribing laws for physician assistants in Indiana?
With legislation that was passed on 2007, a PA may now the privilege delegated to prescribe, dispense, and administer certain drugs or medical devices or services to the extent delegated by the supervising physician. There are some caveats to what can be prescribed and administered. If schedule III, IV, or V drugs are to be prescribed a DEA number is required. For more FAQ, please see: www.in.gov/pla/files/QandA
How do I access the Indiana state laws pertaining to practicing as a physician assistant?
The statutes and rules for practicing as a Physician Assistant can be accessed through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency at the link http://www.state.in.us/legislative/iac/title844.html. These are listed under Article 2.2 under the Indiana Administrative Code Title 844 Medical Licensing Board of Indiana.
What happens if my application is not complete, should I submit it all at once?
The application will only be processed once all information is received by the Physician Assistant Committee. It is advised to send all required information in one complete packet.
Can I apply for a temporary license while I await a decision from the board?
Yes. The committee may grant at temporary license if you meet all the requirements for licensure and are waiting for the next scheduled meeting of the board. The temporary license is valid until the board meets and makes their decision. If practicing under a temporary license, onsite physician supervision is required.
Do I need to maintain my NCCPA certification to practice in Indiana?
Yes. You must prove that you have passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination and maintain current NCCPA certification.
Are there any specific requirements for CME required to get or maintain my license in Indiana?
There are no specific CME requirements to maintain a license in Indiana. However, you must completed the necessary CME to maintain and keep your NCCPA certification current.
What happens if I let my license lapse?
The committee can reinstate an invalid license up to 3 years after the date the license expired.
When does my license expire?
A Physician Assistant license expires every July 1st of even-numbered years. You may renew on-line at the IPLA web site or by paper application.
Employment Opportunities
Where can I find out about available jobs in Indiana?
IAPA is the premier source for networking and employment opportunities. IAPA maintains a Career Center and regional networking opportunities information on this website. IAPA also offers networking throughout the state during the annual conference. These are just a few of the many benefits of becoming a member of the IAPA!
