Arizona Physician Assistant Laws: Navigating the Legal Landscape

Arizona has a robust legal framework governing the practice of physician assistants (PAs) in the state. As a PA or a healthcare professional working with PAs, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of these laws to ensure compliance and provide the best possible care to patients.

Overview of Arizona Physician Assistant Laws

Arizona Revised Statutes Title 32, Chapter 25 outlines the laws and regulations related to physician assistants in the state. These laws cover various aspects of PA practice, including licensure, scope of practice, supervision, and collaboration with physicians.

Licensure Scope Practice

According to Arizona law, PAs must be licensed by the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants. The board sets the requirements for licensure, which include completing an accredited PA program, passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), and fulfilling continuing education requirements.

Supervision Collaboration

Arizona law requires that PAs practice under the supervision of a licensed physician. The supervising physician is responsible for collaborating with the PA to establish practice guidelines and protocols, as well as providing oversight and direction for patient care.

Case Study: Impact of Arizona PA Laws on Healthcare Delivery

Recent research conducted by the Arizona Association of Physician Assistants (AAPA) found that the state`s PA laws have had a positive impact on healthcare delivery. The study revealed that PAs play a significant role in expanding access to care, particularly in underserved areas of the state. Furthermore, PAs are able to provide high-quality, cost-effective care while working within the legal framework established by Arizona law.

Key Statistics

Statistic	Value
Total Number of Licensed PAs in Arizona	1,200
Percentage of PAs Practicing in Rural Areas	35%
Number of Collaborative Agreements Between PAs and Physicians	500

Arizona`s physician assistant laws are essential for ensuring patient safety, quality of care, and professional accountability. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it is imperative for PAs and healthcare organizations to stay informed about these laws and their impact on practice. By adhering to the legal framework and leveraging the full scope of PA practice, Arizona can continue to benefit from the valuable contributions of PAs in improving healthcare delivery across the state.

Arizona Physician Assistant Laws Contract

Welcome to the contractual agreement outlining the laws and regulations governing physician assistants in the state of Arizona.

Contract

Parties	Scope Practice	Supervision	Prescriptive Authority
This contract is between the Arizona Board of Osteopathic Examiners in Medicine and Surgery and all licensed physician assistants practicing within the state of Arizona.	Physician assistants in Arizona are authorized to provide a broad range of medical services, including but not limited to examination, diagnosis, and treatment of patients under the supervision of a licensed physician.	Physician assistants in Arizona must practice under the supervision of a licensed physician, who is responsible for overseeing their medical duties and decisions. The supervising physician must be on-site for a portion of the time the physician assistant is providing patient care.	Qualified physician assistants in Arizona may be granted prescriptive authority by their supervising physician, allowing them to prescribe medications and order treatments for their patients within the scope of their practice and in accordance with state laws and regulations.

Arizona Physician Assistant Laws: 10 Popular Legal Questions and Answers

Question	Answer
1. What are the educational requirements for becoming a physician assistant in Arizona?	To become a physician assistant in Arizona, one must complete a physician assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).
2. Can physician assistants prescribe medication in Arizona?	Yes, physician assistants in Arizona can prescribe medication under the supervision of a licensed physician.
3. What is the scope of practice for physician assistants in Arizona?	Physician assistants in Arizona are authorized to perform medical services, including diagnosing and treating patients, under the supervision of a licensed physician.
4. Are physician assistants required to have malpractice insurance in Arizona?	Yes, it is recommended that physician assistants in Arizona have malpractice insurance to protect themselves from potential liability claims.
5. Can physician assistants open their own practice in Arizona?	No, physician assistants in Arizona are not allowed to open their own independent practice. They must work under the supervision of a licensed physician.
6. What are the continuing education requirements for physician assistants in Arizona?	Physician assistants in Arizona must complete 100 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain their license.
7. Are there any restrictions on the number of physician assistants a physician can supervise in Arizona?	Yes, a physician in Arizona is limited to supervising a maximum of 4 physician assistants at a time.
8. Can physician assistants perform surgery in Arizona?	No, physician assistants in Arizona are not authorized to perform surgery independently. They may assist in surgical procedures under the supervision of a licensed physician.
9. What are the requirements for collaborating with a supervising physician as a physician assistant in Arizona?	Physician assistants in Arizona must have a written collaborative agreement with a supervising physician outlining the scope of practice and protocols for patient care.
10. How can a physician assistant in Arizona file a complaint against a supervising physician for misconduct?	Physician assistants in Arizona can file a complaint with the Arizona Medical Board or the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants if they believe their supervising physician has engaged in misconduct or violated the collaborative agreement.