What term does AAPA designate for the regulatory term used in PA practice acts?

• A. Certification
• B. Licensure
• C. Registration
• D. Authorization

Answer: (B)

Licensure is the regulatory status that grants a physician assistant the legal authority to practice under state law. It is issued by the state’s medical or health-regulatory board and defines the scope of practice, supervision requirements, and the title that may be used. AAPA uses licensure as the formal regulatory term in PA practice acts because it establishes who is legally allowed to practice and under what conditions.

Certification, while essential, is the credential granted by the national certifying body (NCCPA) showing current competency; it is typically required for licensure but does not by itself authorize practice. Registration is an administrative registration in some places that may or may not confer full practice rights, and authorization is a non-specific term not used to denote the formal regulatory status in practice acts.