(a) Scope of practice.--A PHPE is a higher-level EMS provider than an advanced EMT. A PHPE performs for an EMS agency basic and advanced EMS skills and, as authorized by regulation of the department, additional physician assistant skills within the scope of practice of a physician assistant under the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, or the act of October 5, 1978 (P.L.1109, No.261), known as the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act, or a successor act, as follows, but supervision of a PHPE shall be conducted as set forth in this chapter:

(1) As a member of the crew of an ambulance.

(2) As a member of a QRS to stabilize and improve a patient's condition in an out-of-hospital emergency until an ambulance arrives at the scene and then may assist the ambulance crew.

(3) As a first aid or safety officer, or in a similar capacity, for an EMS agency as prescribed by regulation of the department.

(4) In another capacity as authorized by regulation of the department.

(b) Certification.--The department shall certify as a PHPE a physician assistant who meets all of the following:

(1) Has a currently registered license as a physician assistant with the State Board of Medicine or the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.

(2) Is at least 18 years of age.

(3) Has a current certificate evidencing successful completion of a CPR course acceptable to the department.

(4) Has passed a PHPE skills practical examination approved by the department.

(5) Has passed a written PHPE certification examination approved by the department.

(c) Biennial registration.--A PHPE's certification is deemed registered when the certification is issued. The initial registration shall expire as set forth in section 8113(n) (relating to emergency medical services providers). Except for the initial registration period, a PHPE must register the PHPE certification at two-year intervals by completing an application for biennial registration on a form or through an electronic process as prescribed by regulation of the department. The following shall apply:

(1) The department shall issue a biennial registration of a PHPE certification to a PHPE who:

(i) Has a current registration and applies for a new registration no later than:

(A) 30 days before the current registration is to expire; or

(B) a lesser time as established by regulation of the department.

(ii) Has current registration of a physician assistant license.

(iii) Successfully secures continuing education credits for PHPE biennial registration as required by the department in continuing education programs approved by the department.

(2) A PHPE whose registration of a PHPE certification has expired must qualify for a biennial registration of the certification as prescribed by regulation of the department.

Effective Date. Section 9(1) of Act 37 of 2009 provided that section 8119 shall take effect 180 days after the publication of the notice in section 7. The notice was published October 12, 2013, at 43 Pa.B. 6093.