Physician assistants as partners in physician-directed care

1998 marked the acceptance of Physician Assistants (PAs) as members in the Southern Medical Association. We review the history of the PA profession an d, more importantly, the physician/PA relationship. We also provide an over view of PA education and certification requirements. Variations in state la w regarding PA utilization, including the delegation of prescribing privile ges, are discussed. Current American Medical Association guidelines regardi ng physician/PA practice are provided.