Which professional's practice is limited by the medical practice act and the wishes of the supervising physician?

Which professional's practice is limited by the medical practice act and the wishes of the supervising physician?

• A. Nurse Case Managers
• B. Physician Assistant
• C. Physical Therapist
• D. Clinical Psychologist

Answer: (B)

Understanding scope of practice and supervision clarifies why this role is limited by both the medical practice act and a supervising physician’s directives. The medical practice act defines what constitutes practicing medicine and often specifies that certain tasks require physician oversight. The professional who operates under that model is the physician assistant, who is trained to diagnose and treat under the supervision of a physician and to perform delegated duties within agreed-upon protocols. Their authority, including what they can order, prescribe, or perform, is bounded by the act and by the supervising physician’s direction. This makes the physician assistant’s practice more restricted by supervision compared with other roles such as nurse case managers, physical therapists, or clinical psychologists, who are governed by their own licensure and practice rules.

Understanding scope of practice and supervision clarifies why this role is limited by both the medical practice act and a supervising physician’s directives. The medical practice act defines what constitutes practicing medicine and often specifies that certain tasks require physician oversight. The professional who operates under that model is the physician assistant, who is trained to diagnose and treat under the supervision of a physician and to perform delegated duties within agreed-upon protocols. Their authority, including what they can order, prescribe, or perform, is bounded by the act and by the supervising physician’s direction. This makes the physician assistant’s practice more restricted by supervision compared with other roles such as nurse case managers, physical therapists, or clinical psychologists, who are governed by their own licensure and practice rules.