Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following responsibilities does a physician assistant NOT hold?

1. Wearing a name tag identifying them as a physician assistant

2. Billing patients independently at all times

3. Maintaining their license for inspection

4. Engaging in professional activities

The correct answer is: Billing patients independently at all times

A physician assistant (PA) has a defined scope of practice that includes various responsibilities, and it is essential to understand the limits of these responsibilities. Billing patients independently at all times is not a responsibility that falls under the typical duties of a PA. In most healthcare settings, billing is usually done under the supervising physician or the healthcare facility's name. While PAs can certainly assist in billing by taking care of necessary documentation and coding, they do not and cannot bill independently without the direction of a supervising physician. On the other hand, wearing a name tag identifying them as a physician assistant is a requirement for clarity in their professional role, ensuring both patients and colleagues understand their position within the healthcare team. Maintaining their license for inspection is also a crucial responsibility, as PAs must adhere to state licensing regulations to practice legally. Engaging in professional activities further illustrates the PA's role in continuous learning, collaboration, and maintaining a standard of care. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the scope and boundaries of a PA’s duties within the healthcare system.