Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

What type of authority must a physician assistant operate under for prescribing?

1. Autonomous authority without restrictions

2. Administrative authority only

3. Delegated authority as defined by a physician

4. Forced authority by institutional regulations

The correct answer is: Delegated authority as defined by a physician

A physician assistant must operate under delegated authority as defined by a physician for prescribing. This means that a supervising physician grants specific permissions to the physician assistant to prescribe certain medications as part of their collaborative practice agreement. This arrangement is crucial because it establishes a clear understanding of the boundaries and limitations of the physician assistant's scope of practice, ensuring that patient care is delivered safely and effectively under the supervision of a qualified physician. The delegated authority is not unrestricted. It allows the physician assistant to sustain a level of professional autonomy within a framework that ensures accountability and oversight by a licensed physician. This structure not only enhances patient safety but also complies with state regulations and the professional standards governing physician assistants. The other options don't accurately reflect the legal framework within which physician assistants operate. Autonomous authority implies an independent capacity that isn't aligned with the collaborative nature of physician assistant practices. Administrative authority would suggest a focus solely on organizations and policies rather than direct patient care responsibilities. Finally, forced authority by institutional regulations might misconstrue the cooperative oversight of a physician, suggesting a lack of professional judgment rather than a partnership model in patient care.