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 very physician assistant must have a supervising physician. A PA may have multiple supervising physicians and a supervising physician may supervise more than one PA.
In California, “supervision” means reviewing with the PA, either directly or by electronic means, the findings of the history and physical examination and the tasks performed by the PA. Supervision need not be given prior to treatment, nor must supervising physicians be on the premises as long as they are available by phone or other electronic means and within a reasonable distance.
The physician-PA team must establish, in writing, guidelines for timely
supervision. They may be general or specific and may include standing
orders, protocols,
prescription transmittal (drug order) guidelines, individual patient orders, emergency consultation
guidelines, and chart review mechanisms. The physician has the responsibility
of following
the patient's progress to ensure that the PA does not function autonomously.
Very often physicians serve as preceptors for students in a physician assistant training program prior to employing a PA. As preceptors they become involved in the teaching process and can assess firsthand the ability and potential of a PA. Many preceptors go on to hire PAs for their practice. Physicians wishing to become preceptors or to locate qualified physician assistants for their practice should contact the individual training programs or the California Academy of Physician Assistants.
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