Training requirements for physician assistants (“PAs") are consistent across the United States, including in Virginia. The scope of practice for PAs, however, varies nationally depending on state law. Virginia uses the collaborative practice model, which allows PAs to operate within a team-based model as recommended by the American Academy of Physician Associates (“AAPA").

As described below, costs to patients may arise related to diagnostic errors in situations with greater PA autonomy, but benefits would likely outweigh any costs to patients related to defensive medicine by a significant amount. Information from states with expanded scopes of practice for PAs regarding costs and benefits of that expanded practice has not been published.