Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

For a physician assistant to prescribe controlled substances, what must occur regarding refills?

1. Refills can be authorized without consultation

2. Refills must be approved after consultation with the physician

3. Refills are not permitted under any circumstances

4. Refills can be done at any time

The correct answer is: Refills must be approved after consultation with the physician

In the context of Texas regulations regarding physician assistants prescribing controlled substances, the requirement for refills to be approved after consultation with the supervising physician is essential. This stipulation is in place to ensure patient safety and adequate oversight over the management of controlled substances, which have the potential for abuse and dependency. When a physician assistant prescribes a controlled substance, the involvement of the supervising physician in the decision-making process regarding refills helps maintain a higher standard of care and promotes collaboration in patient treatment plans. This requirement enables the physician to evaluate the patient's ongoing needs, consider any potential side effects, and monitor for any signs of misuse or other complications that could arise from continued medication use. This practice emphasizes the importance of teamwork in healthcare, ensuring that the supervising physician remains informed and engaged in the patient's treatment, particularly when it involves substances that are tightly regulated. Without this consultation requirement, there would be a risk of inappropriate prescribing practices and a failure to closely monitor patient responses to the medication.