Every physician assistant must have a supervising physician. Supervision need not be given prior to treatment, nor must supervising physicians be on the premises as long as they are available by phone or other electronic means and within reasonable distance. The physician-PA team must establish, in writing, guidelines for timely supervision. They may be general or specific and may include standing orders, protocols, prescription transmittal guidelines, individual patient orders, emergency consultation guidelines, and chart review mechanisms. The physician has the responsibility of following the patient's progress to ensure that the PA does not function autonomously.
Many preceptors go on to hire PAs for their practice.
Physicians wishing to become preceptors or to locate qualified physician assistants for their practice should contact the individual training programs or the California Academy of Physician Assistants. Copyright 2000 California Academy of Physician Assistants. All rights reserved. The California Academy of Physician Assistants provides this Web site and related services subject to your compliance with the terms and conditions set forth on a separate page. Please read this information carefully.