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.
Washington Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement refers to a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for physician assistants (PAs) in the state of Washington. This agreement serves as a binding contract between a PA and their employer, ensuring a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and compensation arrangements. Key elements included in a typical Washington Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement may encompass: 1. Scope of Work: This section defines the PA's responsibilities, duties, and tasks they are authorized to carry out under the supervising physician's guidance. It may also specify any limitations or restrictions on their practice. 2. Employment Details: This part establishes the nature of the employment relationship, whether it is an at-will agreement or for a fixed term. It may include provisions related to full-time or part-time employment, work schedule, location, and potential travel requirements. 3. Compensation and Benefits: This section outlines the PA's salary or wage structure, including any bonuses, incentives, or raises. Additionally, it may cover topics such as health insurance, retirement plans, vacation time, sick leave, and other benefits. 4. Supervision and Collaboration: In compliance with Washington state regulations, this clause defines the supervising physician's responsibilities, including their level of involvement in patient care, the frequency of consultations, and necessary physician availability. 5. Termination: Details regarding termination rights and conditions for both the PA and employer are included in this section. It often explains the notice period required for termination, reasons for termination with or without cause, and any severance or post-termination obligations. 6. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure: This part addresses the confidentiality of patient information and may include non-disclosure clauses to protect the employer's proprietary information from being shared with unauthorized parties. 7. Professional Development: Some agreements may address opportunities for continuing medical education (CME), including allocated time and reimbursement options, to ensure the PA maintains their knowledge and skills. Different types of Washington Physician's Assistant Employment Agreements may arise depending on various factors. For instance: 1. Hospital-based Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement: When a PA is employed by a hospital or healthcare facility, this type of agreement may include specific provisions related to hospital policies, protocols, and on-call duties. 2. Specialty-specific Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement: In cases where a PA provides medical services within a particular specialty, such as dermatology or orthopedics, the agreement might include specialty-specific tasks, collaborations, and requirements. 3. Rural vs. Urban Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement: Agreements for PAs working in rural areas may have unique provisions aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with serving remote and underserved populations. It is crucial for both the PA and the employer to carefully review, negotiate if necessary, and fully understand the details of the Washington Physician's Assistant Employment Agreement to ensure a mutually beneficial working relationship while complying with state regulations.
