Montana physician assistants must hold an active Montana PA-C license before practicing in the state. Unlike many states, Montana requires a board interview as part of the licensing process, does not issue temporary licenses, and requires all 1099 independent contractors to hold a Montana Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) before starting work. This guide covers the full process, including the supervision agreement exemption that applies to most experienced PAs.
Montana Board of Medical Examiners Contact Information
Montana Board of Medical Examiners
Phone: (406) 444-6880
Email: [email protected]
Website: Montana Board of Medical Examiners – Physician Assistant
Montana PA-C Licensing: At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $375 |
| Fingerprint/Background Check Fee | $30 (paid to the Montana Department of Justice) |
| Total Fees | $405 |
| Temporary License | Not available. Montana does not issue temporary licenses for PAs. |
| Initial Review Timeline | Typically within 3 weeks; license posts within 4-5 weeks for complete applications |
| Board Interview | Required. 15-20 minutes with a Board member covering PA laws, regulations, and obligations in Montana. |
| Supervision Agreement | Exempt for PAs with 8,000+ hours of experience prior to October 1, 2023. WMS handles the affidavit process. |
| ICEC Required | Yes. All 1099 independent contractors must hold a Montana ICEC before starting work, unless they have a Montana-registered corporation. |
| Compact State | No. All PAs must apply for a Montana PA-C license to practice in the state. |
PA-C License Application
The Montana PA-C license application can be completed online or by paper. Online submission is recommended for fastest processing. Access the application and licensing information through the Montana Board of Medical Examiners PA licensing page.
Licensing Fees
- Application fee: $375
- Fingerprint/background check fee: $30 (paid to the Montana Department of Justice)
- Total: $405
Licensing Timeline
Initial review typically happens within 3 weeks of the board receiving a complete application. PAs who submit a thorough, complete application generally see their license post within 4-5 weeks. Montana does not issue temporary licenses, so plan your assignment start date with this timeline in mind.
No Temporary License
Montana does not issue temporary licenses for physician assistants. You must have your permanent PA-C license in hand before starting any assignment in the state. Factor this into your timeline when scheduling your first Montana assignment.
Board Interview
Montana requires all PA license applicants to complete a 15-20 minute interview with a member of the Montana Board of Medical Examiners. The interview covers the laws, regulations, and professional obligations for PAs practicing in Montana. This is a standard part of the licensing process and is not an evaluation of clinical competence.
Contact the board at (406) 444-6880 or [email protected] to schedule your interview once your application has been submitted.
DEA Registration
You will need a Montana 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 Montana 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.
Fingerprinting
Montana requires all PA license applicants to submit a full set of fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check, per MCA 37-20-402. The fingerprint card (Form FD-258) is obtained from the Montana Board of Medical Examiners or your local law enforcement agency and must be mailed to the Montana Department of Justice with a $30 processing fee.
The board will send you a fingerprint card example upon application submittal that includes the correct code and field instructions specific to your license type. Follow those instructions carefully — an incorrectly completed or unreadable card will cause delays.
Supervision Agreement
Effective February 2024, PAs who were actively practicing with 8,000 or more hours of experience prior to October 1, 2023 are exempt from Montana’s supervision agreement requirement. Most PAs placed through WMS have at least four years of experience and qualify for this exemption.
If you qualify, the WMS team will send you an affidavit to sign, which we submit to the Montana Board of Medical Examiners on your behalf. No additional action is required from you during the initial licensing process.
If you have fewer than 8,000 hours of experience, a supervision agreement with a physician at each assignment location is required. The WMS operations team will organize and establish the supervision agreement after you are confirmed for your first assignment. No action is required on your part during initial licensing.
If you have an upcoming assignment with WMS, and need a supervisory agreement, but don’t have one, we’ve created this helpful sample Supervisory Application to help you fill it out.
Montana Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC)
All 1099 independent contractors in Montana are required to hold a valid Montana ICEC before starting work in the state. The ICEC exempts independent contractors from state-provided worker’s compensation coverage and functions as Montana’s equivalent of a business license.
For reference, a sample ICEC application is available to help guide you through the process.
Exception: If you have a corporation (LLC, PLLC, S-Corp, or similar) registered in Montana, the ICEC is not required.
Important: Independent contractors can be fined up to $1,000 for operating without a valid ICEC.
A detailed tutorial on the ICEC application process is available through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry slideshow.
ICEC Point Requirement
Montana requires independent contractors to accumulate 15 points of business-related documentation to qualify for an ICEC. The point system demonstrates that you are genuinely established in your trade. For most locum tenens PAs working with WMS, some combination of the following documents will reach the 15-point threshold:
- Montana PA-C license – 3 points
- National Board Certificate (proof of professional certification/membership) – 3 points
- PA degree or diploma – 3 points
- Signed and dated list of tools and equipment (e.g., stethoscope, reference books, scrubs, laptop) – 6 points
- WMS Contract and Rate Sheet – 6 points
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fingerprinting required for Montana PA licensure?
Yes. Montana law (MCA 37-20-402) requires all PA applicants to submit a full set of fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check. The fingerprint card (Form FD-258) is mailed to the Montana Department of Justice with a $30 processing fee. The board will send you a card example with the correct code and instructions after you submit your application.
Does Montana issue temporary PA licenses?
No. Montana does not issue temporary licenses for physician assistants. Your permanent PA-C license must be in hand before starting any assignment in the state. A complete application typically results in a license posting within 4-5 weeks.
How long does it take to get a Montana PA-C license?
The board typically completes an initial review within 3 weeks of receiving a complete application. From there, a fully complete application with nothing outstanding generally results in a license posting within 4-5 weeks total. Because Montana does not issue temporary licenses, plan your first assignment start date with this window in mind.
Why does Montana require a board interview for PA licensure?
Montana requires all PA applicants to complete a 15-20 minute interview with a Board member covering the laws, regulations, and obligations for PAs practicing in the state. This is standard for Montana PA licensure and is not a clinical competency evaluation. Contact the board to schedule after submitting your application.
Do I need a supervision agreement for Montana locum tenens PA work?
Most PAs placed through WMS are exempt. Effective February 2024, PAs with 8,000 or more hours of active practice prior to October 1, 2023 are exempt from the supervision agreement requirement. If you qualify, WMS handles the affidavit submission to the board. If you have fewer than 8,000 hours, a supervision agreement is required and WMS will establish it before your first assignment begins. View our sample guide here.
What is the Montana ICEC and do I need one?
The Montana Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) is required for all 1099 independent contractors working in Montana, unless you have a Montana-registered corporation. It exempts you from state worker’s compensation and serves as Montana’s equivalent of a business license. Operating without a valid ICEC can result in a fine of up to $1,000.
How do I qualify for the Montana ICEC?
You need to accumulate 15 points of business documentation. For most locum tenens PAs, this typically includes some combination of: your Montana PA-C license (3 points), national board certification (3 points), PA degree or diploma (3 points), a signed list of professional tools and equipment (6 points), and your WMS contract and rate sheet (6 points).
What is the best way to follow up with the Montana Board of Medical Examiners?
The Montana board is generally responsive. You can reach them by phone during business hours at (406) 444-6880, or by email at [email protected]. Expect an email response within about 3 business days.
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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