Physician Assistants

Physician Assistants (PAs) act as physician extenders, supporting a collaborative team-based model of care. Under the Medical Act, 2011, PAs use their knowledge and skills to assist a supervising physician in the practice of medicine, helping improve access to services and support timely assessment and treatment. The Physician Assistant licence type was introduced in legislation and offered for the first time in 2025.

Physician Assistants do not practice independently. PAs must work under the supervision of a supervising physician and within the limits of their education, experience, and any licence conditions. Physician Assistants are also included in the CPSNL’s continuing professional development, quality assurance, and professional conduct processes, supporting public confidence and patient safety.

Like all CPSNL registrants, PAs must pay annual fees, hold professional liability complete continuing professional development, and follow CPSNL Standards and Guidelines and By-Laws.

Apply for registration and licensure

To register as a PA and obtain a licence, you must:

meet the eligibility criteria for PAs
complete and submit a PA Application for Registration to CPSNL
have a CPSNL approved Supervision Agreement for certified PAs, or a Supervision and Oversight Agreement for non-certified PAs
have a CPSNL approved Position Description

Please note: Physicians are not eligible for PA registration.

What PAs are expected to do

practise only in a CPSNL approved clinical setting in Newfoundland and Labrador
practise only under the supervision of a CPSNL approved Primary Physician Supervisor or Additional Physician Supervisor
perform only the tasks delegated by a supervising physician, in line with CPSNL’s Standard of Practice for Interdisciplinary Care and Delegation of Tasks
not prescribe medications that are not permitted under legislation, including the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

Probationary period for certified PAs

PAs who hold approved certification must complete a probationary period of at least 12 weeks. During this time, the Primary Physician Supervisor must submit assessment reports to CPSNL as required by the Supervision Agreement.

Oversight and assessment for non-certified PAs

PAs who have not obtained approved certification are subject to oversight and assessment. The Primary Physician Supervisor must submit oversight reports to CPSNL according to the Physician Assistant Oversight and Assessment Report Schedule outlined in policy.

Annual Licence Renewal

All CPSNL registrants, including licensed PAs, must renew their licence and pay fees every year in accordance with the CPSNL Fee Schedule. Learn more about the annual licence renewal process.