Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is true regarding the delegation of prescriptive authority to a physician assistant?

1. The physician assistant can exercise independent medical judgment

2. The protocol must be documented in writing

3. The physician assistant cannot diagnose a patient's condition

4. The protocol can be verbal and does not need to be recorded

The correct answer is: The protocol must be documented in writing

The statement that the protocol must be documented in writing is correct because, in Texas, the delegation of prescriptive authority to a physician assistant requires that there be a written agreement or protocol established between the supervising physician and the physician assistant. This written document is essential for clarifying the extent of the physician assistant's prescriptive authority, including which medications they are allowed to prescribe and under what circumstances. Written protocols ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the expectations and responsibilities, which enhances patient safety and compliance with legal standards. The necessity of having a written protocol also aligns with regulatory guidelines, which help maintain accountability in the practice of medicine. This formal documentation is vital in providing evidence that the physician assistant is operating under the delegated authority and is aware of the limitations and conditions set forth by the supervising physician.