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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.
The physician-PA team must establish, in writing, guidelines for timely
supervision. They may be general or specific and may include standing
orders, protocols,
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 first hand 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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