Physician assistants: liability and regulatory issues.

The New Jersey Legislature authorized the licensing of Physician Assistants (PAs) in 1991. These mid-level practitioners have been useful as “physician extenders” in both office and hospital settings. In primary care and surgical specialties, PAs can undertake diagnostic evaluations, manage inpatient care and function as a hospitalist, assist in surgery or invasive procedures and can perform some noninvasive procedures. PAs can also write prescriptions, including controlled substances. While PAs can add value, New Jersey court decisions make it clear that physicians employing PAs must observe the inherent practice constraints for these limited license practitioners. Physician Assistants: Liability and Regulatory Issues