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.
Maryland Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement: Explained An employment agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment between a physician's assistant (PA) and their employing healthcare institution or medical practice in the state of Maryland. This agreement serves as a crucial framework for both parties, ensuring clarity, protection, and a mutually beneficial working relationship. The Maryland Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement typically encompasses various essential elements, including: 1. Roles and Responsibilities: This section defines the scope of the PA's duties and responsibilities, outlining the tasks they are authorized to perform under the supervision of a licensed physician. It may cover patient care, diagnostic procedures, treatment plans, record-keeping, and other relevant functions compliant with Maryland state laws and regulations. 2. Compensation and Benefits: The agreement specifies the PA's salary, payment schedule, and any other forms of financial remuneration, such as bonuses or incentive plans. Additionally, it may outline benefits provided, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and reimbursement for continuing education. 3. Employment Terms: This section details the duration and nature of the PA's employment. It may include the start date, working hours, on-call requirements, and whether the employment is full-time or part-time. It can also address potential probationary periods, grounds for termination, and provisions for contract renewal. 4. Standard of Care: The agreement highlights the PA's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and professionalism in line with Maryland medical laws and regulations. It may emphasize adherence to ethical guidelines, continuing education requirements, and licensing credentials. 5. Supervision and Collaboration: As PAs work under the supervision of a licensed physician, the employment agreement outlines the supervisory relationship, including how often the physician will review the PA's work, protocols for consultation, and collaborative decision-making processes. 6. Non-Compete and Confidentiality Clauses: To protect the interests of the employer, the agreement may include non-compete and confidentiality provisions. Non-compete clauses restrict the PA from working for competitors or opening a similar practice within a specific geographical area for a certain period after employment termination. Confidentiality clauses ensure that sensitive patient information is kept confidential. It's worth noting that there can be various types of Maryland Physician's Assistant Employment Agreements based on specific factors, such as the employing institution or practice type. Examples of these variations may include agreements for PAs employed in hospitals, private practices, medical clinics, academic institutions, or government healthcare facilities. The specific employment agreements can further elaborate on the unique aspects and requirements relevant to each practice setting while adhering to the broad legal framework governing physician's assistants in Maryland.
