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Employers and Physician Associates

Scope of Practice

The scope of practice of a Physician Associate (PA) is adaptable to the clinical setting in which they work. PAs can function within teams in acute hospital settings, integrated care teams in the community, and general practice.PAs operate across medical and surgical directorates, serving both the private and public sectors.

PAs come from diverse backgrounds, resulting in a wide range of skill sets among individuals. A pre-requisite for enrolment in the RCSI Physician Associate Master’s training programme is to hold an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences.

PAs operate under what is referred to as “delegated autonomy,” a term defining the level of independence granted by their supervising clinician. This means that while PAs have the authority to make clinical decisions within the parameters set by their supervising clinician, they work under the clinician’s guidance and oversight.

As PAs are not a statutorily regulated profession yet in Ireland, they cannot prescribe medications or request imaging involving ionising radiation such as X-rays and CT scans.

Physician Associates are trained but not limited to do the following tasks:

  • Take Patient histories
  • Perform physical exams
  • Request and interpret diagnostic tests
  • Facilitate and take part in clinical ward rounds
  • Liaison with other specialities for consult advice as appropriate
  • Participate in outpatient clinics (virtual and F2F)
  • Perform a variety of medical and surgical procedures as appropriate to each specialty
  • Act as surgical assistant in theatre 
  • Provide patients with information on health promotion and disease prevention 
  • Encourage medication adherence and treatment compliance
  • Provide continuity of care in Chronic disease management 
  • Provide medical updates to patients and family members
  • Participate as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Conduct clinical research
  • Provide mentoring and teaching to colleagues and students
  • Assist with the induction of new members to the team

Managed Voluntary Register

The Managed Voluntary Register (MVR) is a voluntary register listing all fully qualified Physician Associates (PA) who have successfully fit the criteria to practice as a PA in the ROI. As the PA profession in Ireland is not yet subject to statutory regulation, the MVR was established to provide public protection and safety. The MVR is managed by the MVR director, a dedicated ISPA board of Director member.

Inclusion of a PA on the register allows employers, members of the public, supervisors and other healthcare professionals to be assured that they are a fully qualified Physician Associate.  The MVR register is voluntary while work towards statutory regulation is underway, however qualified PAs, who wish to be employed in Ireland, are strongly encouraged to join the register.

In order for a Physician Associate to receive an MVR number, they must meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Graduate from a PA programme in Ireland, UK, US or Canada
  2. Successfully pass the National Exam in the country where they received their degree
  3. Successfully pass the Irish PA NAtional Exam (IPANE) every 6 years
  4. Maintain ISPA membership
  5. Maintain 50 CPD points annually
  6. Proof of your physician associate qualification from your PA institution

Should you wish to apply for a place on the ISPA MVR with the intent of working in Ireland, please e-mail the ISPA with required documentation. Examples of proof of your PA qualification are:

  • Certificate showing recent successful completion of PA National Exam
  • Evidence that you have earned CPD points over the last 12 months

Continuing Professional Development

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the term used to describe the learning activities professionals engage in to develop and enhance their abilities and skills. CPD is a holistic approach towards the enhancement of personal skills and proficiency throughout a professional’s career.

  • Participate in mandatory and recommended training programmes in accordance with organisational/professional requirements
  • Maintain and develop professional expertise and knowledge by actively engaging in continuing professional education and development
  • Engage in planning and performance reviews as required with the supervising consultant
CPD Registration form

CPD Major & Minor Criteria

Major Criteria (10 points annually)

This relates to educational activities that take place outside your workplace where you can interact with and learn from others.

You can claim 1 CPD credit for each hour spent on activities such as the examples listed below:

  • Academic/Scientific meetings
  • Symposiums
  • Exam preparation courses
  • Workshops
  • Seminars
  • Courses/Lectures/Workshops leading to a Diploma/Masters
  • Online courses or tests where the site provides details of the learning outcome, links to further reading and you can download evidence of participation

Minor Criteria (40 points annually)

These are activities take place alongside your colleagues and teams within your workplace on topics related to your practice that help improve the standards of your own practice and that of your team.

You can claim 1 CPD credit for each hour spent on activities such as the examples below:

  • Journal Clubs
  • Grand Rounds
  • Multi-disciplinary team meetings (MDT)
  • Faculty meetings
  • Legal briefings
  • Case studies
  • Handover meetings
  • Committees
Please note: Updates and changes may be made to these standards on occasion. Physician Associates on the MVR will be notified of these changes in reasonable time so that they are able to comply with the CPD requirements.
Download CPD Standards