Physician Assistant Board reports 320 complaints and licensing growth in California

The Physician Assistant Board of California convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding licensing, complaints, and disciplinary actions within the profession. The meeting highlighted the board's ongoing efforts to manage the growing number of licensed physician assistants (PAs) in the state.

Julie Caldwell, the lead licensing analyst, reported a notable increase in the licensing population, which now totals 19,007 active licensees out of 27,970 with various statuses. This marks a significant rise from 18,200 since the last review, positioning California as the second-largest state for PAs in the country. Caldwell detailed the licensing activity from October 2024 to March 2025, noting that 1,094 initial license applications were submitted, with 1,117 approved and 4,396 renewals processed during this period.

The board also addressed the importance of maintaining accurate records for practice agreements, although it was clarified that such documentation is not required for license renewal. The discussion included a request for comparative data on PA growth across other states, which could provide valuable insights into California's licensing trends.

Linda Serrano, the complaint analyst, presented statistics on complaints received, revealing a total of 320 complaints across the second and third quarters of the fiscal year. The average intake time for complaints was reported at five days, with no pending complaints at intake. The board closed 380 complaints during the same period, indicating an efficient handling of cases.

Christina LaForte, the discipline analyst, provided an overview of disciplinary actions, noting that there were 10 citations issued in the second quarter and 25 in the third quarter. The total fines collected increased from $5,250 in the second quarter to $2,750 in the third quarter, reflecting the board's active enforcement of regulations.

The meeting concluded without public comments, emphasizing the board's commitment to transparency and communication with stakeholders. The discussions underscored the board's proactive approach to managing the growing PA workforce and ensuring compliance with professional standards.