Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following statements about the authority of physician assistants is accurate?

1. They can prescribe Schedule I substances without oversight

2. They can independently make diagnosis decisions

3. They can provide care under the supervision of a physician

4. They have unrestricted authority in all medical practices

The correct answer is: They can provide care under the supervision of a physician

The accurate statement regarding the authority of physician assistants is that they can provide care under the supervision of a physician. This reflects the regulatory framework in Texas, where physician assistants (PAs) operate as part of a healthcare team, working under the supervision of licensed physicians. This collaborative approach allows PAs to deliver patient care while ensuring that their practice is guided and overseen by a qualified physician, which is fundamental to maintaining patient safety and upholding the standards of care. PAs have a defined scope of practice that typically includes the ability to perform assessments, develop treatment plans, and manage patient care, but these responsibilities are carried out within the parameters of the supervising physician’s direction and protocols. This relationship emphasizes the importance of teamwork in the healthcare environment, ensuring that PAs have both the independence to deliver care and the necessary support from physicians. The other statements do not accurately reflect the established regulations or the role of physician assistants. For instance, PAs cannot prescribe Schedule I substances, as these are strictly regulated and typically only available through specific channels and with very limited circumstances. Additionally, while PAs have the ability to make diagnoses, they do not do so independently; their decisions are made in conjunction with the supervising physician. Lastly, the idea that PAs