PA Evaluation and Standardization Era (1973-1980)

The first national conference on new health practitioners was held in Wichita Falls, TX. The National Board of Medical Examiners administered its first national certifying examination to graduates of AMA accredited PA Programs, to nurse practitioners and to informally trained physician assistants. To remain certified PA have to complete 100 hours of continuing medical education (CME) within three years and take a re-certifying examination every six years. There was a rapid expansion of baccalaureate PA educational programs stimulated by Federal training contracts. These programs have to admit more women, minorities and place more graduates into primary care specialties to receive funding. Initial workforce studies indicated that PAs are well-accepted, productive and cost-efficient. The American Academy of Physician Assistants established a House of Delegates to develop policy and PA enabling legislation is enacted in most states.