Question

What does the term scope of practice mean and what is the scope of practice of a physician assistant?

Answer 1

Scope of practice refers to a set of rules,procedures and actions a health taker is allowed to undertake inorder to keep up with the professional license.

The physician assistant has to complete basic science course and has to complete a training of 25 month course .The physician supervises the physician assistant(PA) and has the authority to evaluate the performance of the PA.It is the supervising physician who sets delegatory decisions concerning patient care and thus the PA uses the privelege for effectively functioning as a member of the health care team. The PAs is a physician extender and possess skills,knowledge and attitude to undertake medical services.They should be able to demonstrate both diagnostic and therapeutic procedural skills.There are many states who doesnt give the PA s the power to prescribing medications especially schedule2 drugs.The main responsibilities of the PA is related to interpreting lab values ,examining ,treat and prescribe medications.They work in all major departments including the post operative care an sometimes assist the supervising physician in surgery.Use of PA in hospitals are cost-effective as they will be able to relieve the physician from major duties.The opportunities of career growth for PA has increased significantly ,as more institutions are offering better job prospects.