Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following is true about the relationship between a physician assistant and a supervising physician?

1. The supervising physician is not responsible for any of the patient care activities

2. The supervising physician must define their relationship and access to the physician assistant

3. The physician assistant operates independently of the supervising physician

4. The physician assistant's duties are purely administrative

The correct answer is: The supervising physician must define their relationship and access to the physician assistant

The statement that the supervising physician must define their relationship and access to the physician assistant is correct because Texas law requires clear delineation of the supervisory relationship. This involves establishing the parameters of practice, including the extent of the supervisory physician's oversight and the scope of practice for the physician assistant. This definition is crucial for ensuring that both parties understand their roles and responsibilities, which ultimately promotes patient safety and effective healthcare delivery. In contrast, the supervising physician remains responsible for patient care activities even while delegating certain responsibilities to the physician assistant. The physician assistant does not operate independently; they function under the supervision of a physician who provides guidance and oversight. Additionally, while a physician assistant may have some administrative duties, their role encompasses a much broader range of clinical responsibilities, including patient assessment, diagnosis, and management, rather than being purely administrative. Thus, option B accurately reflects the requirements and dynamics of the relationship between a physician assistant and their supervising physician.