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 Missouri Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for physician assistants (PAs) practicing in the state of Missouri. This agreement serves as a guide for both the PA and the employer, ensuring a clear understanding of the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of each party involved. It is important to note that while this description focuses on Missouri, physician assistants' employment agreements may vary in content and name across different states. The Missouri Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement typically covers several key aspects essential to the working relationship between a PA and their employer. These may include the scope of practice, work schedule, compensation, benefits, duties and responsibilities, termination clause, non-compete agreement, confidentiality, and dispute resolution. — Scope of Practice: This section defines the tasks, treatments, and procedures that the PA is authorized to perform under Missouri state laws and regulations. It outlines the boundaries and limitations of their medical practice, ensuring compliance with relevant statutes. — Work Schedule: This segment outlines the PA's expected hours of work, including the number of shifts, weekdays, weekends, on-call duties, and any other scheduling arrangements. It may also cover vacation time, sick leave, and other time off policies. — Compensation: The agreement specifies the PA's salary, payment terms, and any additional monetary benefits such as bonuses, incentives, or reimbursement for continuing medical education (CME) expenses. It may indicate if compensation is based on an hourly rate, annual salary, productivity, or a combination thereof. — Benefits: This section enumerates the healthcare benefits, retirement plans, insurances, and other fringe benefits offered by the employer to the PA. It may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, disability insurance, retirement contribution plans, and vacation or paid time off policies. — Duties and Responsibilities: Here, the agreement outlines the specific duties, obligations, and professional responsibilities that the PA is expected to perform. It may include patient care, medical record documentation, participation in healthcare teams, supervision requirements, and adherence to relevant protocols and guidelines. — Termination Clause: This part defines the conditions under which either party can terminate the employment agreement. It may explain the notice period required, reasons for termination, severance arrangements, and any post-employment obligations. — Non-Compete Agreement: Some employment agreements contain a non-compete clause, which restricts the PA from practicing within a specified geographic area or for a defined period after leaving the current employer. The terms of this clause, if present, should be clearly stated within the agreement. — Confidentiality: This section emphasizes the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and may include provisions addressing the handling of sensitive medical information in accordance with privacy laws like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). — Dispute Resolution: In case of any conflicts or disputes arising from the employment relationship, this section details the preferred methods for resolution, such as mediation or arbitration, instead of resorting to litigation. It is worth noting that while the core content of a Missouri Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement generally remains consistent in most cases, the specific terms and provisions may differ depending on the employing institution — whether it is a private practice, clinic, hospital, or other healthcare facility. Additionally, the agreement could be customized to address unique circumstances or additional requirements that the employer or the PA may have.
