What differences exist in Missouri for PA vs NP practice? Is one more restrictive than the other? 

PAs can legally provide care in any setting that NPs can practice, and vice versa (depending on NP-specialty program completed). There are some few nuances, none of which should prevent use of a PA.

For more details on the comparison, please see the following document: 

NP vs PA_MO.pdf

Is it necessary that the physician review every chart of patients seen by the Physician Assistant or is there a minimum?

In terms of chart signing, we have no co-signature requirements in statute. It states that the SP shall "review" a minimum of 10 percent of the PA charts in a 2 week period. As long as you have a system in place that you could explain as to how and when the SP reviews charts routinely, that is sufficient. Specific co-signature is not required.

What's going on with the name change?

In May 2021, the AAPA voted to initiate a name change from physician assistant to physician associate. This requires an extensive project at the federal and state level, and PAs are instructed to continue to use the term physician assistant in all legal and clinical environments until their state enacts the name change in full. 

Missouri has not yet initiated this name change as we believe there are higher priorities that affect the clinical practice of Missouri's PAs. MOAPA continues to monitor the national landscape of the name change and will consider the name change as the climate evolves.