Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

How must a physician assistant ensure their alternate supervising physician meets qualifications?

1. The assistant does not need to verify qualifications

2. The assistant is responsible for verifying the physician's specialty

3. Verification is only necessary if the supervising physician is new

4. Verification is required but can be performed informally

The correct answer is: The assistant is responsible for verifying the physician's specialty

A physician assistant must ensure that their alternate supervising physician meets the qualifications because it is critical to patient safety and the integrity of care provided. Verifying the physician's specialty ensures that the supervising physician has the appropriate training and expertise relevant to the practice area in which the physician assistant is working. This practice is essential in maintaining a high standard of care, as different specialties may involve different procedures, knowledge bases, and patient management strategies. The need to verify qualifications is not contingent upon whether the supervising physician is new, as ongoing assurance of competency is a standard practice. Additionally, informal verification may lead to ambiguities and potential risks; thus, formal verification of qualifications is expected to ensure compliance with regulations and standards governing the practice of physician assistants. Therefore, the responsibility of the physician assistant includes taking proactive steps to confirm that an alternate supervising physician has the qualifications necessary to supervise effectively and safely.