Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

What must be done if a physician assistant believes another physician assistant poses a threat to public welfare?

1. Report the concerns to the Physician Assistant Board

2. Ignore the situation as it does not concern them

3. Discuss it with the other physician assistant directly

4. Only report if there is physical harm involved

The correct answer is: Report the concerns to the Physician Assistant Board

When a physician assistant believes that another physician assistant poses a threat to public welfare, the appropriate action is to report the concerns to the Physician Assistant Board. This obligation stems from a commitment to patient safety and the ethical responsibility of healthcare professionals to protect the public from potential harm. The Physician Assistant Board is responsible for overseeing the practice of physician assistants and has the authority to investigate claims about professional misconduct or unsafe practices. Reporting to the Board ensures that the matter is handled by the appropriate regulatory authority, which can conduct a proper investigation and take necessary actions to safeguard public health. It is essential for maintaining high professional standards within the medical community, promoting accountability, and ensuring that any potential threats to patients or public safety are addressed in a systematic manner. In contrast, ignoring the situation undermines patient safety and fails to adhere to the professional ethical duty of care. Discussing the issue directly with the other physician assistant, while potentially helpful in some contexts, is not a substitute for formal reporting if there is a significant concern for public welfare. Lastly, the belief that one should report only if there is physical harm is insufficient; a threat to public welfare can encompass a range of issues far beyond immediate physical danger, including concerns related to competence, ethics, or behavior that might jeopard