Legally, PAs act as what in relation to physicians?

Legally, PAs act as what in relation to physicians?

• A. Agents
• B. Independent contractors
• C. Patients
• D. Supervisors

Answer: (A)

PAs operate in an agency relationship with physicians. A physician delegates authority to a PA to perform patient care within a defined scope and under supervision or established protocols. Because the PA acts on behalf of the physician to carry out medical decisions, the PA is considered an agent of the physician. This means the physician (and their practice) bears responsibility for the care provided by the PA under that delegated authority (vicarious liability), within the agreed-upon supervision framework. They are not independent contractors who stand alone, nor are they patients or supervisors of the physician.

PAs operate in an agency relationship with physicians. A physician delegates authority to a PA to perform patient care within a defined scope and under supervision or established protocols. Because the PA acts on behalf of the physician to carry out medical decisions, the PA is considered an agent of the physician. This means the physician (and their practice) bears responsibility for the care provided by the PA under that delegated authority (vicarious liability), within the agreed-upon supervision framework. They are not independent contractors who stand alone, nor are they patients or supervisors of the physician.