Who ultimately supervises the work of a Physician Assistant in Texas?

In Texas, a Physician Assistant (PA) must practice under the supervision of a licensed physician. This means that the physician is responsible for the overall care and decisions made regarding patients that the PA may assist with or provide care for. The supervising physician must be actively involved in the clinical practice, ensuring that all medical decisions and treatments provided by the PA adhere to accepted medical standards and practices.

The supervisory relationship is integral to ensuring patient safety and maintaining the quality of medical care. The supervising physician is responsible for overseeing the PA's work, including reviewing patient charts and being available for consultation when necessary. This supervision does not require the physician to be present at all times, but there must be a clear and established relationship between the physician and the PA.

Other roles such as fellow Physician Assistants or nurse practitioners do not hold supervisory authority over PAs in Texas. No supervision requirement does not align with the regulations governing PA practices in the state, as these positions are explicitly designed to require supervision to maintain accountability and quality of care. Thus, the relationship between the PA and the supervising physician is a fundamental aspect of medical practice within Texas.