The following guidelines should not be interpreted as mandatory. PAs should be placed in clinical and administrative situations where they will supplement and assist emergency physicians. They do not replace the medical expertise and patient care provided by emergency physicians.
PAs work clinically with the supervision of an emergency physician.
The physician evaluates the care of each patient and assumes ultimate responsibility for the patient. For each ED, the number of PAs whose clinical work can be simultaneously supervised by one emergency physician must be defined. The PAs scope of practice must be clearly delineated and must be consistent with state PA regulations. Credentialing procedures must be specifically stated and be similar to those required of other allied health professionals. All emergency PAs must meet the requirements of the state or federal jurisdiction in which they function and should be nationally certified.