Which of the following is NOT included in the scope of practice for a physician assistant?

Which of the following is NOT included in the scope of practice for a physician assistant?

• A. Providing delegated medical services
• B. Prescribing controlled substances for up to 60 days
• C. Performing procedures under supervision
• D. Conducting patient assessments

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is related to the specific limitations placed on the prescribing practices of physician assistants. While physician assistants are indeed authorized to prescribe medications, including controlled substances, they typically must adhere to regulations that limit the duration of prescriptions they can write. In Texas, for example, physician assistants can prescribe controlled substances, but there are specific parameters and regulations around this, including the necessity of a supervising physician’s approval for certain classes of drugs. The option regarding prescribing controlled substances for up to 60 days suggests a specific timeframe that may not accurately represent the flexibility and regulatory constraints that physician assistants must follow. In practice, the actual duration for which controlled substances can be prescribed may vary and requires adherence to state laws, potentially making this option misleading in the context of standard practices. In contrast, the other options directly reflect standard components of a physician assistant's role. Providing delegated medical services, performing procedures under supervision, and conducting patient assessments are all core responsibilities that fall within the recognized scope of practice for physician assistants, as they operate under the supervision and authority of a licensed physician.

The correct answer is related to the specific limitations placed on the prescribing practices of physician assistants. While physician assistants are indeed authorized to prescribe medications, including controlled substances, they typically must adhere to regulations that limit the duration of prescriptions they can write. In Texas, for example, physician assistants can prescribe controlled substances, but there are specific parameters and regulations around this, including the necessity of a supervising physician’s approval for certain classes of drugs.

The option regarding prescribing controlled substances for up to 60 days suggests a specific timeframe that may not accurately represent the flexibility and regulatory constraints that physician assistants must follow. In practice, the actual duration for which controlled substances can be prescribed may vary and requires adherence to state laws, potentially making this option misleading in the context of standard practices.

In contrast, the other options directly reflect standard components of a physician assistant's role. Providing delegated medical services, performing procedures under supervision, and conducting patient assessments are all core responsibilities that fall within the recognized scope of practice for physician assistants, as they operate under the supervision and authority of a licensed physician.