§ 6540. Definitions. As used in this article: 1. Physician assistant.
The term "physician assistant" means a person who is licensed as a
physician assistant pursuant to this article.

2. Physician. The term "physician" means a practitioner of medicine
licensed to practice medicine pursuant to article one hundred thirty-one
of this chapter.

3. Approved program. The term "approved program" means a program for
the education of physician assistants which has been formerly approved
by the department.

4. Hospital. The term "hospital" means an institution or facility
possessing a valid operating certificate issued pursuant to article
twenty-eight of the public health law and authorized to employ physician
assistants in accordance with rules and regulations of the public health
and health planning council.