What types of supervision can a Physician Assistant have in Texas?

In Texas, Physician Assistants operate under a system of supervision that can be defined in multiple ways, reflecting the flexibility needed to accommodate various practice environments and the relationships between Physician Assistants and their supervising physicians. Among these, direct supervision involves the supervising physician being physically present and immediately available to assist the PA with medical procedures and decisions.

Indirect supervision allows for a more autonomous working environment where the PA can work independently but still has access to the supervising physician for consultations and guidance when needed. Furthermore, supervision defined by a Delegation Agreement refers to the parameters and conditions that the supervising physician and the PA establish concerning the specific tasks and responsibilities that the PA can undertake, allowing for tailored supervision arrangements that meet the needs of both the provider and the patients being served.

This multifaceted approach to supervision is designed to ensure that Physician Assistants can practice effectively and safely while adhering to legal requirements and best practices in patient care. Options suggesting only a singular form of supervision, such as direct supervision at all times, remote supervision without a defined agreement, or self-supervision with no oversight, do not accurately reflect the established supervisory frameworks recognized in Texas for Physician Assistants.