Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

Where may medical services be performed by a physician assistant?

1. Only in a hospital setting

2. In any location authorized by a supervising physician

3. Only in private practices

4. In emergency situations only

The correct answer is: In any location authorized by a supervising physician

A physician assistant may perform medical services in any location authorized by a supervising physician. This is aligned with the regulations and guidelines governing the practice of physician assistants in Texas. The supervising physician has the discretion to determine the appropriate settings for the physician assistant to provide care, which may include hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities, as well as in various community settings or during mobile clinics. The flexibility in locations ensures that physician assistants can effectively contribute to patient care in diverse environments, depending on the needs of the community and the health care team's requirements. This broad scope of practice allows for collaboration and support for physicians, maximizing the delivery of healthcare services across different populations. In contrast, the other options are limited in scope and do not reflect the full range of settings where a physician assistant can function. For example, stating that services can only be performed in a hospital setting or only in private practices restricts the practice unnecessarily. Similarly, indicating that services may only be rendered in emergency situations does not represent the varied roles of physician assistants in routine care, preventive health, and chronic disease management. Therefore, the ability to perform medical services in various authorized locations offers a more accurate representation of the physician assistant's role in the healthcare system.