Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Physician Assistant Licensure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves PA rules after removing specific NCCPA reference amid DEI debate
Summary
The Senate panel approved pending physician assistant licensure rules but accepted an amendment to remove an explicit reference to the NCCPA certifying body after debate over the organization's public-facing diversity materials.
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved pending rule chapter 24-3302-2401 governing physician assistant (PA) licensure but removed language that explicitly named the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) in rule 100.01.
Why it matters: The change narrows what the rule text names as the certifying organization for the PA examination. Committee members who supported striking the NCCPA reference said the item was unnecessary because statute and practice already established the exam requirement; one lawmaker raised concerns about NCCPA public statements on diversity, while supporters said listing the exam helps fill a statutory gap.
Process and debate: Ms. Nikki Chopsky, bureau chief for health professions at the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses and executive officer for the PA advisory committee, said the division and board followed the ZBR process with multiple public meetings and hearings. She told the committee the intent was to list the acceptable examination in rule because statute references a board rule requirement.
Senator Lenny moved to approve the PA docket while striking rule 100.01 (the NCCPA reference). He argued the organization’s public content on diversity made the explicit inclusion unnecessary. Senator Wintrow offered a substitute motion to approve the docket without the strike; that substitute failed on roll call. The original motion to approve the pending rules while striking the NCCPA reference then carried on a voice vote.
Board position and implementation: Ms. Chopsky said the exam is the one PAs have been taking and that removing the named organization from rule would restore the prior status in which the exam was used in practice though not spelled out in rule. She described the board’s and PA advisory committee’s process and said state statute already requires the examination; the rule change that moved through the committee will proceed without the NCCPA reference.
Ending: The committee approved the pending PA rules as amended; staff said the exam requirement remains in effect by statute and practice and that the board and advisory committee will continue their regular oversight.
