A physician assistant (P.A.) is a licensed health professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician. A physician assistant provides a broad range of health care services that were traditionally performed by a doctor. What a physician assistant does varies with training, experience, and state law. In addition, the scope of the P.A.'s practice corresponds to the supervising physician's practice. In general, a physician assistant will see many of the same types of patients as the physician. The cases handled by physicians are generally the more complicated medical cases or those cases requiring care that is not a routine part of the P.A.'s scope of work. Referral to the physician, or close consultation between the patient, P.A., and physician, is done in unusual or hard to manage cases. Physician assistants are taught to know their limits and refer to or consult with physicians appropriately.
California Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions of employment between a physician's assistant (PA) and a healthcare facility or employer in the state of California. This agreement provides a comprehensive framework that governs the PA's employment, including rights, responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and other important clauses. The California Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement typically includes the following key components: 1. Position and Duties: This section outlines the specific role, responsibilities, and limitations of the PA within the healthcare facility, including the scope of practice and any specialty areas the PA is expected to work in. 2. Compensation: This section covers details regarding the PA's salary or hourly rate, bonuses, incentives, and any other financial arrangements. It may also address factors such as pay scale, overtime, reimbursements, and annual reviews. 3. Work Schedule: The agreement defines the PA's regular work hours, including days, shifts, and any on-call or weekend obligations. It may also include provisions for time off, vacation, sick leave, and other leaves of absence. 4. Benefits: This section outlines the benefits provided to the PA, such as health insurance, retirement plans, disability insurance, and any other applicable employee benefits. It may also include provisions for continuing education, professional dues, and licensure fees. 5. Termination and Notice: This part explains the process and requirements for termination of the agreement by either party, including notice periods, termination reasons, and any applicable severance or resignation procedures. 6. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure: This section outlines the PA's obligation to protect patient information and maintain confidentiality in accordance with state and federal privacy laws. It may also address the non-disclosure of proprietary information or trade secrets belonging to the employer. 7. Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation: This clause limits the ability of the PA to compete with the employer or solicit patients or employees during or after the employment period. Its enforceability may vary based on California state law and specific circumstances. 8. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution: This section specifies which state laws apply to the agreement and how potential disputes between the parties would be resolved, such as through mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Different types of California Physician's Assistant Employment Agreements may exist based on factors such as the healthcare facility's size, specialty, or specific hiring requirements. These may include agreements tailored for PAs in hospitals, private practices, clinics, or specialized medical settings. In summary, the California Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement is a comprehensive contract that establishes a clear understanding between the PA and the employer. It ensures clarity, protection, and rights for both parties while adhering to relevant state law and regulatory guidelines.