CPSA welcomes physician assistants to Alberta’s medical regulation

Edmonton, AB – Today, CPSA officially welcomes approximately 40 physician assistants to our list of regulated healthcare providers in Alberta. The new regulation was first announced by Alberta Health in late November 2020, highlighting the professionalism of physician assistants and the important role they play in Alberta’s healthcare team.

“I worked with many incredible physician assistants during my time in the Canadian Armed Forces and know firsthand the important role they play in increasing access to safe and competent care for patients,” says Dr. Scott McLeod, CPSA Registrar. “I’m proud to officially welcome them as Alberta’s newest regulated health profession.”

Physician assistants are healthcare professionals who have the knowledge, training and skills to provide a broad range of medical services within healthcare teams under the supervision of a physician. They work in a variety of clinical team settings to complement existing services and help improve patient access to quality health care.

As professionals supervised by physicians, physician assistants will follow all CPSA Standards of Practice and comply with our continuing competence requirements. Physician Assistants will pay a yearly Registration and Practice Permit fee, both of which were waived for 2021.

For more information on physician assistants, please visit cpsa.ca/physician-assistants.