Which statement best describes the PA-physician relationship today?

• A. PAs practice independently with no physician supervision
• B. PAs often serve as part of the patient's healthcare team under physician supervision
• C. PAs are solely researchers
• D. PAs only work in hospital settings

Answer: (B)

PAs today function as integral members of the patient care team, operating within a collaborative model that involves physician supervision or a formal collaborative practice agreement. They have autonomy to perform history and physicals, order and interpret tests, diagnose and manage common conditions, and prescribe medications, but within the scope defined by the supervising physician and applicable regulations. This team-based approach increases access to care and allows PAs to work across a variety of settings—not just hospitals but clinics, urgent care, rural health, and specialty practices—while the supervising physician provides oversight and final medical accountability. So, describing PAs as often part of the healthcare team under physician supervision best reflects current practice. The idea that they practice independently with no supervision, that they are solely researchers, or that they only work in hospitals does not align with how the PA role is structured today.