Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

What is true about the supervision of a physician assistant by a physician?

1. Must always be in physical presence

2. Can be discontinuous for over one week

3. Does not need continuous supervision

4. Must have only one supervising physician

The correct answer is: Does not need continuous supervision

The correct assertion regarding the supervision of a physician assistant by a physician is that continuous supervision is not required. In Texas, the relationship is designed to allow for a degree of autonomy for physician assistants, meaning that while a supervising physician is responsible for overseeing their practice, this oversight does not need to be constant. Physician assistants can perform their duties independently, provided they are working within the scope of their training and the established supervisory agreement with their physician. This flexibility accommodates various practice settings and allows physician assistants to function efficiently while still benefiting from the guidance and support of their supervising physician. It's important for physician assistants to understand how to operate safely and effectively within the framework of supervision while recognizing that this does not equate to the necessity of the supervising physician's physical presence at all times. On the other hand, other choices suggest either a requirement for continuous physical presence, suggest limitations on the duration of discontinuous supervision, or imply that only one supervising physician is necessary. However, the Texas Medical Board regulations allow for multiple cooperating physicians, and they do not require that the supervising physician be present physically at all times, thus supporting the correct answer that continuous supervision is not a requisite.