Can a Physician Assistant in Texas diagnose and treat illnesses independently?

In Texas, Physician Assistants (PAs) are required to work under the supervision of a licensed physician. This means that while they can perform a variety of tasks related to diagnosing and treating illnesses, they must do so within the framework of a supervisory agreement with a physician. The supervisory relationship is crucial as it ensures that PAs operate within a collaborative environment that includes physician oversight. This collaborative care model enhances patient safety and ensures that complex medical decisions are appropriately shared.

Under Texas law, PAs must follow prescribed protocols set forth by their supervising physician, which determines the extent of their autonomy in practice. While they can assist in diagnosing and treating patients, their ability to do so independently is limited by the requirement for a supervising physician. This structure fosters a team-based approach to patient care, where the physician's expertise remains integral to the healthcare delivery process.

Other choices may imply that PAs can work independently or under varying conditions, which does not align with the established regulations and collaborative framework mandated in Texas.