Recognition is defined as acknowledgment of something's existence, validity, or legality which OPA-Cs have been in almost every state.

Most state will allow OPA-Cs to practice under delegative authority.  See Practice by state that outlines delegative authority in a number of states.  The document is specific to assisting in surgery and was given to us by another organization. Please always verify current laws and regulations before practicing as an OPA-C /OA-C.  Practice by state  (Disclamer - NEW YORK Contact Phone number is no longer valid - This document was not created by NBCOPA and we are not responsible for accuracy, please verify)

Presently, the only state that has an OPA-C license is Tennessee for graduates of an approved OPA program.

New York has a specialty classification for assistance at surgery that can be utilized to include OPA-Cs. The classification is that of a Specialist Assistant in Orthopaedics.
According to the way the education law is written, an OPA can do anything a PA can do as long as it is within the scope of orthopaedics. The only exception is that an OPA-C cannot obtain a medicare/medicaid number or a DEA number.

California law recognizes OPA-Cs who graduated from an approved California OPA program.