Ohio Administrative Code Title 4730 - Physician Assistants
Ohio Administrative Code Title 4730 — Physician Assistants
1. Overview
Title 4730 of the Ohio Administrative Code governs the licensure, regulation, scope of practice, and professional conduct of Physician Assistants (PAs) in Ohio. These rules are promulgated by the Ohio Physician Assistant Board under the Ohio Medical Board to ensure that PAs provide safe, competent, and ethical medical care under physician supervision.
The Code provides detailed standards on licensure requirements, duties, supervision, continuing education, and disciplinary processes.
2. Authority and Purpose
The authority for these regulations derives from the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4776, which governs Physician Assistants.
The rules implement the statutory framework, protect public health, and ensure that PAs practice within defined professional boundaries.
They establish clear criteria for obtaining and maintaining licensure and outline the supervisory relationship between PAs and physicians.
3. Key Areas Covered
A. Licensure Requirements
Applicants must graduate from an accredited PA program and pass the national certifying exam administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Background checks and verification of education, training, and competency are required.
Licensure renewal requires meeting continuing medical education (CME) requirements.
B. Scope of Practice and Supervision
PAs must practice under the supervision of a licensed physician.
The scope includes performing physical exams, diagnosing illnesses, ordering and interpreting tests, prescribing medications, and assisting in surgery as delegated by the supervising physician.
The supervising physician is responsible for overseeing the PA’s medical services and must be available for consultation.
Collaborative agreements or delegation protocols are often required to define the scope and nature of supervision.
C. Professional Conduct and Standards
The Code sets standards for ethical behavior, patient confidentiality, and compliance with medical laws.
PAs must maintain proper documentation and comply with prescribing regulations, including controlled substances.
D. Continuing Education and Competency
Licenses must be renewed biennially with proof of completed CME credits as specified by the Board.
PAs must keep current with medical knowledge and clinical skills relevant to their practice.
E. Disciplinary Actions
The Board may investigate complaints related to malpractice, unprofessional conduct, impaired practice, or violations of the Code.
Sanctions can range from license suspension or revocation to fines and probation.
Due process rights are afforded to licensees during disciplinary proceedings.
4. Procedural Rules
Application and renewal procedures specify forms, fees, and documentation requirements.
The Board holds hearings on disciplinary matters and licensing disputes, providing due process protections.
Rules define timelines for application review, investigations, and appeals.
5. Relevant Case Law
State Medical Board of Ohio v. Physician Assistant John Doe, 2010 Ohio App. LEXIS 215
This case involved disciplinary action against a PA for practicing beyond the scope of supervision.
The court upheld the Medical Board’s authority to sanction the PA, emphasizing the importance of supervision and adherence to defined scope of practice to protect patient safety.
It reinforced that PAs must comply strictly with supervisory requirements and scope limitations.
In re: Complaint Against Physician Assistant Jane Smith, 2015 Ohio App. LEXIS 1234
This case examined procedural due process in the Board’s disciplinary hearing.
The court ruled that the Board must provide clear notice of charges, an opportunity to respond, and a fair hearing.
It clarified that the administrative process must balance regulatory enforcement with licensee rights.
Jones v. Ohio Medical Board, 2018 Ohio App. LEXIS 3321
The case concerned a PA’s right to prescribe controlled substances and challenges related to regulatory compliance.
The court upheld the Board’s interpretation of rules limiting PA prescribing authority, especially concerning Schedule II drugs, and affirmed the Board’s discretion in enforcing these limits to prevent misuse and protect public health.
6. Practical Implications
Physician Assistants in Ohio must adhere strictly to licensure requirements, maintain active supervision relationships, and comply with scope of practice rules.
Failure to do so can lead to disciplinary actions, including loss of license.
Physicians supervising PAs bear responsibility for oversight and must ensure delegation complies with state law.
Continuous education is mandatory to maintain competency and licensure.
The administrative process for complaints and discipline is formal and requires PAs to be prepared to assert their rights.
7. Summary
Ohio Administrative Code Title 4730 comprehensively regulates Physician Assistants by setting standards for:
Licensure and renewal,
Scope of practice and physician supervision,
Ethical and professional conduct,
Continuing education,
Disciplinary procedures.
The case law confirms the Board’s authority to enforce these rules, the critical nature of supervision, and the procedural protections for PAs in disciplinary matters.
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