Iowa Code § 148C.1: Definitions.

1. “Approved program” means a program for the education of physician assistants which has been accredited by the accreditation review commission on education for the physician assistant or its successor, or, if accredited prior to 2001, either by the committee on allied health education and accreditation, or the commission on accreditation of allied health education programs.

2. “Board” means the board of physician assistants created under chapter 147.

3. “Collaboration” means consultation with or referral to the appropriate physician or other health care professional by a physician assistant as indicated by the patient’s condition; the education, competencies, and experience of the physician assistant; and the standard of care.

4. “Department” means the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing.

5. “Independent practice” means the practice of a physician assistant that is organized as a professional corporation under chapter 496C or a professional limited liability company under chapter 489.

6. “Physician” means a person who is currently licensed in Iowa to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

7. “Physician assistant” or “P.A.” means a person who meets the qualifications under this chapter and is licensed to practice medicine by the board.

8. “Supervising physician” means a physician who supervises the medical services provided by a physician assistant engaged in independent practice consistent with the physician assistant’s education, training, and experience.