In disciplinary actions against a PA, who typically reports to licensing boards?

• A. The PA only.
• B. The supervising physician only.
• C. The employing institution only.
• D. The employing institution, supervising physician, and/or the PA as mandated by law and board rules.

Answer: (D)

Disciplinary actions against a PA are driven by reports from multiple sources that have oversight or concern about practice. Licensing boards regulate professional conduct and rely on documented concerns to trigger investigations, and these concerns can come from several places that statutes and board rules designate as reporting parties.

The employing institution has a duty to report unsafe practices, policy violations, or other issues discovered in the workplace. The supervising physician who oversees the PA’s clinical work may be required to report deficiencies, impaired judgment, or unsafe performance. The PA themselves may be required to self-report certain events, such as licensure issues, discipline in another jurisdiction, or specific violations. Depending on the jurisdiction, other parties can also report, but these three are commonly mandated reporters.

So, the strongest, most accurate understanding is that reports to licensing boards can originate from the employing institution, the supervising physician, or the PA, as dictated by law and board rules. Always check the specific state statutes and board regulations to know exact reporting obligations and processes.