Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a physician assistant's supervising physician?

1. Evaluating the physician assistant's performance

2. Providing independent legal support

3. Defining the access between the physician assistant and the supervising physician

4. Identifying the physician assistant's scope of function

The correct answer is: Providing independent legal support

The correct answer highlights that providing independent legal support is not a responsibility of a physician assistant's supervising physician. Supervising physicians are primarily responsible for overseeing the clinical work of physician assistants, ensuring they practice within a defined scope, and facilitating effective communication and collaboration between them. Evaluating the physician assistant's performance, defining the access or communication pathways with the physician assistant, and identifying the physician assistant's scope of function are all essential responsibilities that help ensure quality patient care and adherence to legal and ethical standards. These duties are integral to the supervisory relationship, as the supervising physician must monitor performance and support the professional development of the physician assistant while ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. In contrast, providing independent legal support is outside the realm of medical supervision. While physician assistants may certainly benefit from legal guidance, this is typically the responsibility of someone trained in law and is separate from the supervisory duties of a physician. This distinction is important in understanding the roles and responsibilities within the healthcare team.