Physician Assistant Supervisory Agreement Pennsylvania
If you`re a physician assistant practicing in Pennsylvania, one of the most important documents you should be familiar with is the supervisory agreement. This legal agreement outlines the relationship between a PA and their supervising physician, and it`s a key component of safe and effective patient care.
In Pennsylvania, all physician assistants are required by law to have a supervisory agreement in place with a licensed physician. This agreement must be filed with the state`s medical board, and it must be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.
What Is a Supervisory Agreement?
A supervisory agreement is a document that outlines the scope of practice for a physician assistant and the level of supervision they will receive from their supervising physician. It also defines the responsibilities and expectations of both parties.
In Pennsylvania, the supervisory agreement includes the following elements:
1. Scope of Practice: The agreement must clearly define the scope of practice for the physician assistant. This includes the specific medical procedures they are authorized to perform, as well as any limitations or restrictions on their practice.
2. Supervision: The agreement must specify the level of supervision the physician assistant will receive from their supervising physician. This may include on-site supervision, remote supervision, or a combination of both.
3. Contact Information: The agreement must include the contact information for both the physician assistant and their supervising physician.
4. Record-Keeping: The agreement must outline the record-keeping requirements for both the physician assistant and their supervising physician. This includes documentation of patient care, medical procedures, and any medication orders.
Why Are Supervisory Agreements Important?
Supervisory agreements are important for several reasons. First and foremost, they help to ensure that physician assistants are practicing within their scope of practice and receiving appropriate supervision from a licensed physician. This helps to protect patient safety and prevent medical errors.
Additionally, supervisory agreements are a key component of regulatory compliance. In Pennsylvania, physician assistants who fail to maintain a current and valid supervisory agreement may be subject to disciplinary action by the state`s medical board.
Finally, supervisory agreements can help to promote collaboration and communication between physician assistants and their supervising physicians. By clearly defining the expectations and responsibilities of each party, the agreement can help to establish a positive and productive working relationship.
In Conclusion
As a physician assistant practicing in Pennsylvania, it`s essential that you understand the importance of the supervisory agreement. By working closely with your supervising physician to develop a clear and comprehensive agreement, you can ensure that you`re practicing within your scope of practice and providing safe and effective patient care.