Can a physician assistant inject or prescribe in District of Columbia?

Oversight · part of The Practice Perimeter

Short answer
Yes, for injecting — a physician assistant may perform procedures below the stratum corneum if the procedure is authorized by a licensed physician or the PA has the training and experience to do it safely; the cited rules do not address PA prescribing.

Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as preventing or restricting other health professionals from offering or undertaking any type of invasive procedure of the body, whether through a body opening or a cutting of the skin, or otherwise affecting the layer of skin below the stratum corneum, for surgical, therapeutic, or cosmetic purposes, if the procedure has been authorized by a licensed physician; or is performed by an advanced practice registered nurse, an anesthesiologist assistant, a dentist, a physician assistant, a podiatrist, a practical nurse, a registered nurse, or a surgical assistant who has received the necessary training and experience to perform the procedure in a safe and effective manner.

D.C. Code §3-1201.02(7)(B) · verified Sep 3, 2026 · regulatory monitoring, not legal advice

Related District of Columbia rules

  • The practice of medical assistants occurs only under the direct supervision of a physician, physician assistant, or advance practice registered nurse.

    D.C. Code §3-1201.02(6D) · verified Sep 8, 2026

  • The practice of medicine includes offering or performing any type of invasive procedure of the body, whether through a body opening or a cutting of the skin, or otherwise affecting the layer of skin below the stratum corneum, for surgical, therapeutic, or cosmetic purposes, excluding procedures known as body tattooing or body piercing.

    D.C. Code §3-1201.02(7)(A)(iv) · verified Sep 3, 2026

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