Alaska physician assistants must hold an active Alaska PA-C license before practicing in the state. Because locum tenens PAs work as 1099 independent contractors, a business license is also required before starting an assignment. This guide covers every step of the process, including the collaborative plan requirement specific to PA practice in Alaska, timelines, fees, and DEA and PDMP registration.
Alaska State Medical Board Contact Information
Alaska State Medical Board (SMB)
Phone: (907) 269-8163
Email: medicalboard@alaska.gov/
Website: Alaska State Medical Board
Alaska PA-C Licensing: At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $200 (nonrefundable) |
| Permanent License Fee | $150 |
| Total Fees | $350 |
| Temporary License Fee | $0 |
| Initial Review Timeline | 10-14 weeks after receipt of completed application |
| Temporary License | Issued at initial review if application is complete; carries all same privileges as permanent license |
| Permanent License Cadence | Granted quarterly by the Medical Board under the same license number as the temporary license |
| Collaborative Plan | Required before starting first assignment; can be left blank on initial application for locum tenens PAs |
| Compact State | No. All PAs must apply for an Alaska PA-C license to practice in the state. |
PA-C License Application
The Alaska PA-C license application is completed online through your MyAlaska account. Online submission is recommended for fastest processing. A paper application is also available on the Medical Board’s Applications and Forms page if preferred.
If the licensing examiner finds items missing in your application, you will be notified in your MyAlaska account. Begin checking your portal regularly starting around 8-10 weeks after submitting.
The Medical Board also maintains a PA licensing FAQ page that can be helpful as you work through the application.
Licensing Fees
- Application fee: $200 (nonrefundable)
- Permanent license fee: $150
- Total: $350
- Temporary license fee: $0
Licensing Timeline
The Alaska Medical Board processes applications in the order received. Initial review typically occurs 10-14 weeks after a completed application is received. If your application is complete with no remaining items, you can expect your temporary license within 10 business days of that review. All told, the fastest timeline from submission to temporary license is approximately 2.5 months.
If the board requests corrections, responses to disclosure questions, or additional documentation, processing times can extend to 3-4 months. Each additional round of back-and-forth adds time, so submitting a thorough, complete application upfront is the most effective way to stay on schedule.
Temporary License
If your application is fully complete and valid, the Medical Board will issue a temporary license at the time of initial review at no additional cost. Your temporary PA-C license carries all the same privileges as your permanent license.
Because the Medical Board meets only quarterly to process permanent licenses, you may work under your temporary license for several weeks or months. This is expected. Once your temporary license posts, that confirms the board has everything they need, and your permanent license will be issued under the same license number at the next quarterly review.
Reach out to your WMS recruiter as soon as your temporary license is confirmed so we can complete onboarding if we haven’t already.
Collaborative Plan
Alaska requires PAs to have a collaborative plan in place with a supervising physician before practicing in the state. For locum tenens PAs applying before a specific assignment is confirmed, the collaborative plan form can be left blank on the initial application. The Medical Board expects this and will process the application without it.
When your license posts, it will show the comment “not authorized to practice, no collaborative agreement.” That status remains until your first collaborative plan is confirmed with the board. The WMS operations team handles this: your collaborative plan will be submitted to the Medical Board before your first assignment begins.
DEA Clearance Report
As part of the PA-C application, you are required to request a clearance report from the DEA for your DEA registration. Use the form included in the application and mail your request to:
Drug Enforcement Administration
300 5th Avenue, Suite 1300
Seattle, WA 98104
DEA Registration
You will need an Alaska address registered on your DEA license before starting any assignment where you will be prescribing. This is not a prerequisite for the PA-C license itself, but it is required before you can legally prescribe in the state.
Most locum tenens PAs transfer their existing DEA license to Alaska immediately before an assignment begins rather than purchasing an additional license. Either approach is acceptable. Changes to your DEA registration can be made through the DEA Diversion Control Division website.
Note: Transferring an existing DEA license to a new state can take up to 5 business days. Plan accordingly.
Opioid Education Requirement
All PAs with a DEA registration must have completed education in pain management, opioid use, and addiction as part of the PA-C licensing requirement in Alaska. Attestation of this education is required for a new license.
Eligible course types:
- AMA-approved Category 1 CME
- AOA-approved Category 1 or 2 CME
- NCCPA-approved education
Important: The title or description of your Certificate of Completion must specifically reference all three subject areas: pain management, opioid use, and addiction. A certificate that references only one or two of these areas may not satisfy the requirement.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
Any PA with prescriptive authority is required to register with Alaska’s PDMP before prescribing in the state. Registration is free and completed online through the Alaska PDMP website.
Business License
Alaska locum tenens PAs working as 1099 independent contractors are required to obtain an Alaska business license before signing a WMS contract. While a business license is not required to practice medicine in Alaska, it is required to operate as an independent contractor.
Most PAs set up a simple Assumed Business Name (sole proprietorship). Some choose to form an LLC or register an existing LLC in Alaska as a foreign entity. If you have questions about which structure is right for your situation, consult a CPA before registering.
Registering a Sole Proprietorship (Assumed Business Name)
- Visit the Alaska business license registration website
- Line of business: 62 – Health Care and Social Assistance
- NAICS code: 621999
Registering an LLC in Alaska
The first step is selecting a registered agent, a person or business authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. WMS and many of the PAs we work with use the law firm Baxter Bruce & Sullivan as their registered agent.
Step 1: Get a Registered Agent
- Call Stefanie Wolter at Baxter Bruce & Sullivan (907-789-3166) and let her know you’d like to register your LLC in Alaska using them as your registered agent.
- Sign an engagement letter and pay their fee ($265 + tax, annual). You’ll need to provide your LLC name and member information.
- Once complete, they will provide an entity number needed for the LLC application.
Step 2: Register Your LLC in Alaska
- Register your LLC online through the Alaska business entity registration portal.
- NAICS code: 621999
Step 3: Register for an Alaska Business License
- Once your LLC is registered, use the entity number provided to register for an Alaska business license.
- Owner Type: Entity | Line of Business: 62 – Health Care and Social Assistance | NAICS code: 621999
Registering a Foreign LLC: If you have an existing LLC formed outside Alaska, register it as a Foreign Entity using the same registered agent and NAICS information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fill out the Collaborative Plan form on my initial application?
Leave it blank. If you are applying for your Alaska PA-C license to work as a locum tenens PA, you cannot complete the Collaborative Plan at the time of application because you don’t yet know where you’ll be working or who your collaborating physician will be. The Medical Board expects this and will process your application without it.
Do I need a Collaborative Plan before I can start working?
Yes. A collaborative plan must be in place before your first assignment begins. You don’t need to arrange this yourself. The WMS operations team will ensure the collaborative plan is submitted to the Medical Board before your first assignment starts. When your license initially posts, it will show “not authorized to practice, no collaborative agreement” until the plan is confirmed.
Does Alaska require PA supervision?
Alaska requires PAs to have a collaborative plan with a physician, but this is an agreement filed with the employer and the Medical Board rather than a direct supervision requirement. Locum tenens PAs placing through WMS will have their collaborative plan handled by the WMS operations team before their first assignment.
Can I start working with a temporary PA-C license?
Yes. Your temporary Alaska PA-C license carries all the same privileges as your permanent license. The Medical Board meets quarterly to process permanent licenses, so you may work under your temporary license for several weeks or months. Once your temporary license is confirmed, contact your WMS recruiter so we can complete onboarding and get your first assignment scheduled.
How long does it take to get an Alaska PA-C license?
The board typically reviews applications 10-14 weeks after receipt. If your application is complete with nothing outstanding, you can expect your temporary license within 10 business days of that review, putting the fastest end-to-end timeline at approximately 2.5 months. If the board requests corrections or additional documentation, timelines can extend to 3-4 months.
When can I expect a response from the Alaska Medical Board?
The board processes applications in date order. Plan on reaching out around 8-10 weeks after submitting to introduce yourself and ask if your application has been reviewed. Outreach before the 8-week mark is unlikely to receive a response. Once your application is reviewed, the board will update your MyAlaska account with any outstanding items.
What is the best way to follow up with my licensing examiner?
You can find your assigned examiner by last name on the Medical Board contact page. Email is the most reliable channel, though phone is also an option. Once your application has been reviewed and the examiner has followed up, monitor your MyAlaska account for action items rather than emailing proactively.
Is verification of supervised hours required?
The Verification of Hours of Supervision (page 22 of the application) is only required for PAs with less than 2 years of experience. If you have more than 2 years of experience, you can omit this page from your application.
Does the notary signature page need to be mailed?
Yes. The notary signature page (page 13 of the application) must be completed and the original notarized copy mailed in with your application.
What opioid education is required for the Alaska PA-C license?
PAs with a DEA registration must have completed education in pain management, opioid use, and addiction. Your Certificate of Completion must specifically reference all three subject areas in its title or description. Eligible formats include AMA Category 1, AOA Category 1 or 2, or NCCPA-approved education.
Why do I need a business license for locum tenens work in Alaska?
Alaska requires independent contractors to hold a state business license to conduct business in the state. Because WMS PAs work as 1099 independent contractors rather than employees, a business license is required before a contract can be signed. Most PAs register a sole proprietorship, though an LLC is also an option.
Questions about Alaska PA licensing or your upcoming assignment? Contact the WMS team.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
Wilderness Medical Staffing (WMS) is a team of experienced staffing experts. We provide locum tenens staffing of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs. We specialize in placing excellent, compassionate providers in rural clinics, hospitals, and communities across the continental Northwest and Alaska.
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