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.
The Colorado Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement is a legally binding contract between a physician's assistant (PA) and a medical facility or provider in the state of Colorado. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of employment specific to PAs practicing medicine in Colorado. Colorado recognizes the importance of PAs in the healthcare system, allowing them to work under the supervision of licensed physicians. The employment agreement serves to protect both parties, ensuring fair and mutually beneficial employment conditions. Here are some relevant keywords associated with the Colorado Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement: 1. Roles and Responsibilities: The agreement clearly defines the PA's scope of practice, duties, and responsibilities within the medical facility, ensuring that the PA is aware of their role and the tasks they are authorized to perform. 2. Compensation and Benefits: The agreement addresses the PA's salary, including base pay, incentives, bonuses, and any other financial arrangements. It may also outline benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, continuing education, and reimbursement for licensure and certification fees. 3. Working Hours and Conditions: This section specifies the PA's work schedule, including shifts, on-call duties, breaks, and vacation days. It may also cover the requirement for the PA to work in multiple locations if applicable. 4. Term and Termination: The agreement will mention the duration of the employment relationship, whether it is permanent or for a fixed term. It outlines the conditions for termination, including notice periods, grounds for termination, and procedures for dispute resolution. 5. Malpractice Insurance: PAs are required to have malpractice insurance in Colorado. The agreement may state whether the employer will provide coverage or if the PA should acquire their own policy, along with clarifying liability provisions. 6. Non-Compete and Confidentiality: Some agreements contain clauses restricting the PA from working with competitors or disclosing confidential information during or after employment. These clauses define the extent and duration of any restrictions. 7. Continuing Education and Professional Development: The agreement may address the employer's commitment to support the PA's continuing education efforts and any related financial assistance or time off policies. In addition to the general Colorado Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement, there can be variations or additional agreements tailored to specific circumstances, such as: 1. Physician Group Agreement: If the PA is joining a physician group or practice, this additional agreement may outline the partnership or employment terms within the group setting. 2. Hospital Employment Agreement: If the PA is employed directly by a hospital, this agreement may go into further detail about hospital-specific protocols, privileges, and responsibilities beyond what is covered in the general agreement. 3. Rural Area Employment Agreement: In certain cases, when a PA agrees to work in rural or underserved areas, there might be additional provisions, incentives, or financial support provided by the employer or state programs. These variations aim to address particular scenarios and ensure that the employment agreement aligns with the unique circumstances of PAs working in different settings within Colorado's healthcare landscape.
