Board of Physician Assistants highlights key updates on licensing and outreach initiatives

The Physician Assistant Board of California convened on November 8, 2024, to discuss key updates and initiatives impacting the board and its stakeholders. The meeting highlighted personnel changes, licensing statistics, enforcement activities, and the upcoming 2025 sunset review.

Executive Officer Theo Khan opened the meeting with a report on personnel updates, announcing the addition of Leah Herr as the new enforcement and licensing support technician. Khan also provided insights into the board's ongoing efforts for the 2025 sunset review, emphasizing the importance of thorough responses to the joint oversight committee's questionnaire. A draft report was presented for discussion, with plans for final approval in the coming months.

The board's licensing report revealed a total of 26,938 licensees as of October 16, 2024, with 18,286 current licenses. During the third quarter of 2024, the board processed 557 applications, issuing 409 regular licenses and one temporary license. The report also noted that the average processing time for complete applications was 29 days, while incomplete applications took an average of 78 days to resolve.

Enforcement activities were also a focal point, with 49 complaints received in the first quarter of the fiscal year. The board closed 205 complaints, while 343 remained pending. The average duration for pending investigations was reported at 440 days, raising concerns about the efficiency of the enforcement process.

In addition to these updates, the board discussed the need for fee increases to address a structural financial imbalance. The board is seeking legislative proposals to adjust statutory caps on fees, which would allow for incremental increases to ensure financial stability. This proposal aims to minimize the financial impact on applicants and licensees while maintaining the board's operational capabilities.

The meeting concluded with a call for final comments on the sunset review report, which is due to be submitted to the legislature by January 6, 2025. The board is committed to modernizing its processes, including the potential for electronic license renewals, to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's dedication to improving healthcare services in California while addressing the challenges of licensing and enforcement in the evolving healthcare landscape.