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Because physician assistant practice is directed by a supervising physician, and a physician assistant acts as an agent for that physician, the orders given and the tasks performed by a physician assistant shall be considered the same if they had been given and performed by the supervising physician. PAs may perform virtually all tasks or services delegated to them by their supervising physician. The scope of practice of the supervising physician determines the type of services rendered by the PA. Medical procedures and tasks PAs may perform in California include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Take a thorough history, perform an appropriate physical
examination and make an assessment and diagnosis therefrom,
and record and
present pertinent data in a manner meaningful to the physician.
2. Order or perform routine laboratory and screening procedures
including, but not limited to, these examples:
- The drawing of venous blood and routine examination of the blood
- Order radiological studies
- Catheterization and routine urinalysis
- Nasogastric intubation and gastric lavage
- Pelvic examinations, including bimanual examinations and Papanicolaou smears.
3. Order
or perform routine therapeutic procedures including, but not
limited to, these examples:
- Injections
- Immunizations
- Debridement, suturing and care of wounds
- Strapping, casting and splinting
- Incision and drainage of skin infections
4. Order or perform many specialized therapeutic and diagnostic procedures
following appropriate training and demonstrated competency. Including but not limited to:
- Biopsies
- Lumbar punctures
- Vein harvesting
- And many others depending on specialty
5. Recognize and evaluate
situations which call for immediate attention of the primary
care physician and institute, when necessary, emergency treatment
procedures essential for the life of the patient.
6. Instruct and counsel patients regarding matters pertaining to their physical and mental health, such as diets, social habits, family planning, normal growth and development, and the aging process.
7. Assist the physician in the institutional setting by arranging hospital and nursing home admissions, providing services to patients requiring continuing care, including the review of treatment and therapy plans.
8. May serve as first or second assistant in surgery under the supervision of a supervising physician.
9. Perform surgical procedures without the personal presence of the supervising physician which are customarily performed under local anesthesia.
10. Initiate and facilitate the referral of patients to the appropriate health facilities, agencies and resources of the community.
11. Administer of provide medication to a patient, or issue or transmit drug orders orally or in writing.
12. Order or transmit an order for x-ray, other studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, speech therapy, wound care, nutrition counseling and nursing services.
13. Provide the above services throughout the continuum of life including newborn care, child and adult care, obstetric care and geriatric care.
PAs are subject to the limitations set forth by their supervising physicians and to the policies of the employing institutions, in addition to the laws and regulations governing utilization of PAs in California.
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