Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

What must an alternate physician do to provide supervision for a physician assistant?

1. Obtain an unrestricted and active license

2. Affirm in writing familiarity with protocols

3. Complete a designated training course

4. Always supervise in person

The correct answer is: Affirm in writing familiarity with protocols

For an alternate physician to supervise a physician assistant, one of the key requirements is to affirm in writing their familiarity with the protocols that govern the practice of the physician assistant. This affirmation ensures that the alternate physician understands the specific guidelines, procedures, and standards of care that the physician assistant must adhere to while providing medical services. Familiarity with protocols is crucial as it establishes a framework for effective communication and oversight between the alternate physician and the physician assistant, thereby promoting patient safety and maintaining the quality of care. In Texas, the regulations emphasize that an alternate supervising physician must be knowledgeable about the protocols pertinent to the practice of the physician assistant, which can include clinical guidelines, treatment methods, and company policies. This documentation helps to clarify obligations and expectations for supervision, and it serves as evidence of the alternate physician's commitment to effective oversight. The other choices involve actions that, while relevant to the broader context of medical supervision, do not directly fulfill the specific requirement for establishing proper supervisory relationships as mandated by Texas law. Obtaining an unrestricted and active license is certainly important for a physician's legal ability to practice, but it does not specifically address the unique supervisory obligations outlined in the regulations concerning physician assistants. Completing a designated training course may enhance a physician's skills or knowledge