Q: How do I apply for a license to practice in Rhode Island?
A: All PAs are licensed by the Department of Health. Application can downloaded directly from: Board of Licensure for Physician Assistants or you can request an application by calling or writing:

Board of Licensure for Physician Assistants
Division of Professional Regulation
Rhode Island Department of Health
3 Capitol Hill Providence, RI 028908
Telephone: (401) 222-3855

The application is not complete until all supporting credentials including a signed statement from the supervising physician have been received by the Board. The supporting credentials required are: Proof of successful completion of the PANCE; verification of graduation from an accredited physician assistant program; documentation from any other state licensing/registering authority that the applicant has held at any time; and certified copy of a birth certificate.

Q: Does Rhode Island participate in the in the Federation Credentials Verification Services (FCVS) program?
A: Yes. You may have your credentials forwarded to the Board from FCVS if you participate in that program. To learn more about FCVS contact the program at: www.fsmb.org/fcvs_physicianassistant or call 1-888-ASKFCVS (1-888-275-3287)

Q: How long does the application process take to complete?
A: Once all the supporting credentials have been received the application will be considered complete. The final review is usually completed within seven to ten business days and your license will be issued.

Q: I don't have a job and therefore have no supervising physician. Does this mean I can not apply for a license?
A: No. Employment status is not tied to licensure. PAs must practice with physician supervision of course but you do not need to have a supervising physician in order to be granted a license.

Q: Can a PA practicing in Rhode Island be a corporate partner?
A: Yes. Under RI General Law 7-5.1 PAs may form professional corporations solely, with other PAs, or with physicians.

Q: Can PAs in Rhode Island write prescriptions?
A: Yes. Rhode Island PAs have full prescriptive authority. In order to write for controlled substance a PA must have a federal DEA registration number and a state controlled substance registration. The application for the state number is included as part of the licensing application. To apply for a DEA registration go to: www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drugreg