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.
Connecticut Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement In Connecticut, a Physician's Assistant (PA) Employment Agreement is a legally binding contract between a licensed physician and a physician assistant. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of employment, the expectations of both parties, and the rights and responsibilities of the physician assistant. Key Topics Covered in the Agreement: 1. Job Description: The agreement clearly defines the scope of the physician assistant's role and responsibilities, such as patient care, examinations, diagnostics, treatment plans, prescription authority, and collaboration with the supervising physician. 2. Compensation: The agreement specifies the compensation structure, including salary, bonuses, incentives, and benefits, such as insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and reimbursement for continuing medical education. 3. Duration of Employment: This section outlines the duration of the employment relationship, whether it is a fixed term or an ongoing agreement, and provisions for termination, including notice periods and any grounds for termination. 4. Work Schedule: The agreement addresses the expected work hours, on-call duties, and any rotation schedules required. It may also include provisions for flexibility in the schedule, vacation, and sick leave policies. 5. Supervision and Collaboration: Connecticut law requires physician assistants to work under the direct supervision of a licensed physician. The agreement details the extent of supervision, including regular meetings, chart reviews, and collaboration with the supervising physician. 6. Malpractice Insurance: The agreement might include provisions for professional liability insurance coverage, either individually or under the supervision of the employer. 7. Confidentiality and Non-Compete Clauses: The agreement may include clauses regarding patient confidentiality, non-disclosure of proprietary information, and non-compete agreements, which restrict the physician assistant from practicing or seeking employment in a specific geographic area for a specified duration after termination. Types of Connecticut Physician's Assistant Employment Agreements: 1. Full-Time Employment Agreement: This agreement is suitable for physician assistants working full-time, typically for 40 hours per week or more, providing comprehensive care, and receiving full-time benefits. 2. Part-Time Employment Agreement: This agreement is tailored for physician assistants working fewer hours than full-time, often with prorated benefits based on the number of hours worked. 3. Contractual Employment Agreement: A contractual agreement is generally used when employing a physician assistant for a fixed term, such as a specific project or to cover a physician's absence due to leave or temporary unavailability. 4. Medical Office Employment Agreement: This type of agreement specifically addresses the unique requirements of physician assistants working in medical offices, including managing patient records, billing, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. 5. Hospital Employment Agreement: This agreement is designed for physician assistants working primarily in hospital settings, involving more complex procedures, surgical assistance, and interactions with various specialized medical departments. It is essential for both the physician and the physician assistant to understand and review the agreement thoroughly before signing, seeking legal counsel if necessary, to ensure all terms and obligations are clearly defined and protect the interests of both parties involved.
