Physician Assistants (PAs)

Question 1

Medical services provided by a PA must be:

Answer 1

1) assigned by the supervising physician
2) within the supervising physician’s scope of practice
3) appropriate to the PA’s education, training, and experience

Question 2

How are PAs required to sign prescriptions?

Answer 2

Their signature, followed by the initials “P.A” and their State Education Department license #. Electronic Rxs must contain the electronic signature of the PA plus the name, address, and telephone # of the supervising physician.

Question 3

In private practice, on physician may employ up to:

Answer 3

4 licensed PAs and up to 2 registered specialist assistants.

Question 4

In a hospital setting, how many PAs and specialist assistants can one physician supervise?

Answer 4

Up to 6 total (any combo)

Question 5

What are the regulations concerning countersignatures on Rxs prescribed by a PA employed by a hospital?

Answer 5

Countersignature of such orders may be required if deemed necessary and appropriate by the supervising physician or the hospital, but in no event shall countersignature be required prior to execution.

Question 6

Prescriptions written by a licensed PA employed or with extended privileges by a hospital may, if permissible, issue prescriptions for controlled substances…

Answer 6

on official New York State prescription forms issued to the hospital. Such prescriptions must include:

1) the PA’s DEA #
2) the imprinted name of the licensed PA
3) and the name of the physician responsible for his or her supervision

Question 7

A licensed physician assistant may issue prescriptions—including controlled substance prescriptions—for a patient who is under the care of the physician responsible for the supervision of the licensed physician assistant. The prescription shall be written on the blank form of the supervising physician and shall include:

Answer 7

1) the name, address, and telephone # of the supervising physician
2) the name of the licensed PA