Which statement is true about the legal relationship between PAs and physicians?

Which statement is true about the legal relationship between PAs and physicians?

• A. PAs are independent with no oversight
• B. PAs act as agents and must adhere to ethical, legal, and medical standards; physicians are not automatically liable for all PA actions
• C. Physicians are never liable for PA actions
• D. PAs have no fiduciary duties

Answer: (B)

PAs practice under physician supervision and are treated as agents of the physician. This means they must follow ethical, legal, and medical standards and operate within the scope of delegated authority. Because of this relationship, the supervising physician can be responsible for the care provided by the PA, but liability is not automatically borne for every PA action; it depends on how supervision was provided and whether the PA acted within their authorized scope. If a PA acts outside that scope or if supervision is deficient, liability can fall on the PA, the physician, or both, depending on the circumstances. PAs also owe patients fiduciary duties—confidentiality, loyalty, and acting in the patient’s best interests—consistent with the responsibilities of medical professionals.

PAs practice under physician supervision and are treated as agents of the physician. This means they must follow ethical, legal, and medical standards and operate within the scope of delegated authority. Because of this relationship, the supervising physician can be responsible for the care provided by the PA, but liability is not automatically borne for every PA action; it depends on how supervision was provided and whether the PA acted within their authorized scope. If a PA acts outside that scope or if supervision is deficient, liability can fall on the PA, the physician, or both, depending on the circumstances. PAs also owe patients fiduciary duties—confidentiality, loyalty, and acting in the patient’s best interests—consistent with the responsibilities of medical professionals.