Can a PA own a medical practice in New York?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only with physician co-ownership
• D. Only in nonprofit setting

Answer: (B)

In New York, ownership of the practice of medicine is governed by the corporate practice of medicine doctrine. This means that the professional medical services part of a practice must be owned and controlled by licensed physicians or physician-owned professional entities. While a PA can diagnose, treat, and supervise care under a physician, a PA is not a physician and cannot own the professional practice itself. So a PA cannot own a medical practice in New York. They can work for a physician-owned practice or own a non-clinical business (like a management services organization) that supports the practice, but the professional medical services entity cannot be owned by a non-physician.